It’s not often that a champion is the underdog going into a title defense. But, that’s the role Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Welterweight champion Tyron Woodley will be playing when he defends his 170-pound strap for the first time ever against Stephen Thompson in UFC 205's co-main event next weekend (Sat., Nov. 12, 2016) at Madison Square Garden in New York City.
And that’s okay, according to "The Chosen One," who says he has been the underdog before and it has not stopped him from going out and getting the job done.
"You don’t fight fights on paper," said Woodley during today’s (Nov. 2, 2016) conference call (audio replay here). I’ve been the underdog my last six fights I think and I’ve won five of the last six. So, I don’t really focus on it, I just go out there and do my deal."
On the flip side, since Thompson is the favorite many would expect the dynamic striker to be going in with added pressure. Not so, according to "Wonderboy," who is focused on winning ... not the hype.
"I don’t sit there and really look at that kind of stuff. Like I said, I’m just focused on the fight and that’s all I’m worried about," declared Thompson, who has won seven in a row, including wins over Johny Hendricks and Rory MacDonald, on his way to his first-ever title fight.
"A lot of fighters ink in to a lot of that stuff, then they slack off in training, but not me man," he continued. "I’m ready for the best Tyron Woodley, that’s what I’m preparing for. I block all that stuff out and focus on what I need to be doing."
Furthermore, Woodley says muck like getting pegged as the underdog, he doesn’t take the constant boos he’s been receiving since knocking out Robbie Lawler personal. Though he admits he does find it strange, seeing as how he’s always been a good role model, father, analyst, champion husband and teammate and hasn’t given people reason to hate on him.
Of course, he did acknowledge that it could very well be because people didn’t take too kindly to the fact that he tried to give "Wonderboy" the run-around before signing on the dotted line. It's something Woodley assures is far from the case. Nevertheless, the time for talking will soon end as the two talented strikers will settle it all in less than a fortnight.
For more on the upcoming title fight between Woodley vs. Thompson click here.