Tyron Woodley interview: 'I'm not Donald Cerrone, I'm trying to fight for a world title'

To say that Tyron Woodley wants to fight is an understatement. He wants to fight, despite being cautious, and knows exactly who he wants to face: Former Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Welterweight titleholder Johny Hendricks.

"I'm going to fight him regardless. It's going to get to a point in my career where I'm going to fight him," Woodley told MMAmania.com in a recent interview.

"The Chosen One" last fought against Kelvin Gastelum in January at UFC 182, tallying a split-decision win. Since his Octagon debut, Woodley has been one of the most successful welterweights on the planet; however, to continue on his path toward a title shot, the 32-year-old knew that re-aggravating the broken foot he suffered against Gastelum wasn't an option.

"I broke this [foot] on the first kick in the whole fight. I still won the fight and the time that I'm off now -- I was going to be off that amount of time anyway," said Woodley. "I wasn't going to turn around and fight next month. I'm not Donald Cerrone. I'm trying to fight for a world title and that's why he hasn't fought for one because he just jumps his butt into any kind of scrap that's presented."

When he returns to the talent-stacked 170-pound division, he's adamant it be against Hendricks. The former Strikeforce Welterweight champion is now 5-2 in his new home and is currently the third best in the division. Hendricks is ranked No. 1 in the world and is fresh off of his one-sided drubbing of perennial tough guy Matt Brown.

"Bigg Rigg" has always been in the mix for a title shot, and now he knows he has to earn his way back, which is something that Woodley agrees with.

"Robbie [Lawler] had to fight two fights before he got a rematch. Johny should have to do the same. Who else is he going to fight," Woodley said.

"T-Wood" also took issue with UFC's matchmaking when it came to Hendricks' latest victory. He'd also like to fight the Oklahoma native because of past history when the two wrestled at Missouri and Oklahoma State, respectively.

"When me and Johny wrestled it was wars. Johny's not a better wrestler than me.  There's some unfortunate things that happened in those matches that assured him the win, but he's not a better wrestler than me," Woodley told Fox Sports in March 2014.

Whether you agree with him or not, there aren't any other legitimate opponents to match up Hendricks with besides Woodley. Outside of the former Division I standout wrestler, all other welterweights are booked or ranked lower than Woodley.

"No other fight makes sense. I was even vouching that he should've pulled out Matt Brown and let me fight him. I want that fight bad," said Woodley.