Looks like Tyron Woodley won’t be making a quick turnaround opposite Colby Covington at UFC 230 after all.
According to a recent report by ESPN’s Ariel Helwani (shown below), the UFC welterweight champion will be undergoing surgery on his right hand after sustaining an injury during his recent title defense over Darren Till at UFC 228 earlier this month (highlights here).
Breaking: UFC welterweight champion @TWooodley no longer in the running to fight at MSG, needs surgery on his right hand and is expected to be out 8-to-12 weeks. pic.twitter.com/EQ7vvbhdZf
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) September 21, 2018
Woodley, who was in talks to fight Covington at UFC 230 on Nov. 3 from inside Madison Square Garden in New York City, will reportedly miss the next 8-12 weeks. That officially knocks him out of any sort of title fight with “Chaos” this November, leaving UFC 230 still without a main event.
This will be Woodley’s second surgery in the past nine months, as the 36-year-old champion had his shoulder operated on after a decision win over Demian Maia back in July of 2017. As a result of his recent injury woes, “Chosen One” has managed to step inside of the cage just twice since his victorious rematch against Stephen Thompson 18 months ago.
Luckily, Woodley’s hand injury isn’t going to keep him out forever. But at this rate, we won’t see the UFC champion put his title on the line again until early next year.
Where does that leave Covington and the jam-packed welterweight division? We shall see.