For quite some time, Jake Paul has hinted at crossing over into mixed martial arts. Now, a past two-time rival is eager to share the cage with ‘El Gallo’ under MMA rules. That opponent is Tyron Woodley, who previously clashed with Paul in two high-profile boxing matches. ‘The Chosen One’ appears to have discovered a fresh spark on the wrestling mats of late. The 44-year-old veteran recently secured a comeback victory over Joaquin Buckley under the Real American Freestyle banner. Up next, Woodley is gearing up to grapple with former UFC middleweight champion Khamzat Chimaev at the upcoming RAF Moscow event later this week.
Prior to his matchup with Buckley, Woodley spoke about the challenge of preparing for two RAF competitors at the same time, telling Bowks Talking Bouts:
“Honestly, looking at Joaquin Buckley and [Khamzat] Chimaev, both of them are incredibly powerful, forward-pressing competitors. They fall into a very similar category. Consequently, I am preparing for different technical abilities, varying strategies, and unique styles. However, facing an opponent who brings the same intensity, relentless pressure, and physical power as Chimaev is highly beneficial. Beyond that, in the wrestling world, it is quite common to compete twice or even three times in a single day.”
“So it differs from a single-fight card or fighting once every quarter. In a wrestling tournament, you might step onto the mat multiple times a day without knowing your next opponent beforehand. You have to keep winning, and they do too, or you might drop to the consolation bracket and face an unexpected challenger. In this scenario, we actually have the advantage of knowing exactly who we are matching up against. I’m certainly not overlooking Buckley, and the workload is entirely manageable.”
“It is similar to preparing for the Big 12 Championship; you cannot afford to wait until that tournament ends to start preparing for the NCAAs. You have to be ready for challengers from schools like Penn State, Iowa, Minnesota, or Michigan. Your overall game has to be sharp enough for any opponent. Fortunately, I have that mindset ingrained in me. That is why I am preparing for both Buckley and Khamzat simultaneously.”
Woodley Believes an MMA Match Against Jake Paul represents the Ultimate Fight for MVP-PFL
Even though boxing and shoot wrestling have occupied much of his competitive attention recently, the ex-UFC welterweight king remains connected to the MMA world. Woodley currently serves in a semi-advisory capacity for the GFL.
Jake Paul remains a central figure at MVP, a promotion that recently joined forces with the PFL. Meanwhile, Woodley has established connections with the Global Fight League alongside his legacy as a UFC champion. When questioned about which promotion might convince the accomplished veteran to put on the four-ounce gloves once more, Woodley shared his thoughts with Bowks Talking Bouts:
“In my opinion, the most massive matchup the PFL could put together using their partnership with Jake Paul is an MMA bout between him and myself. That is easily the most significant fight available to them. As for the GFL, I would gladly compete under their banner. I really respect their vision; they genuinely want to share revenue and offer fighters ownership opportunities, while also bringing them in as advisors. I am currently advising multiple organizations in this way, even though it is not a requirement for me.”
“People are aware of my involvement with different groups, but it stems purely from my passion for martial arts and my desire to see the sport expand. Whenever I can assist Nakisa [Bidarian], I reach out to him. We communicate regularly. I also spoke with Scott Coker not long ago. I am aiming to attend his brand launch this September in New York, especially since I will already be in town shooting a television project.”
“With GFL, my advisory role during their rollout is a bit more high-profile. As I mentioned, they are giving athletes a chance to build equity. No other combat sports promotion has offered fighters actual shares in the business, rather than just having them sacrifice their health in the cage only to finish their careers with no source of income. Because of initiatives like this, I am excited about the state of MMA. I would even consider working with the UFC again, who knows.”
“Obviously, they run a successful operation, but if the UFC presented an opportunity where I could provide value or make a positive impact, I would keep an open mind. Ultimately, my goal is to support the growth of the sport that has provided so much for me. Right now, I am assisting three separate MMA organizations, acting almost as a bridge between the athletes and the promoters. I understand what fighters require because I have experienced both the highest peaks and the lowest points of this career.”
“I have been treated exceptionally well at times, and of course, I have had my share of challenges. Because of this, I believe I have earned a unique level of respect in this industry. I understand market values, the business side, contractual figures, and what athletes actually receive versus what they negotiate for.”
“I am familiar with all the behind-the-scenes dynamics, and from a commercial perspective, I can serve as a powerful asset to help any brand optimize its potential. I am incredibly grateful to be active in this role. At the end of the day, I am just following whatever path God has set out for me.”
This piece was originally published on BJPENN.COM
