Tyron Woodley Returns to MMA with Global Fight League

Tyron Woodley

The world of professional MMA just got a lot more interesting. Earlier this month, the Global Fight League (GFL) announced it would start holding events in April. The promotion, established in 2021, has been quietly building its foundation, signing a significant number of ex-UFC fighters along the way. Among the most notable signings is former UFC welterweight champion Tyron Woodley, who is officially set to make his return to mixed martial arts.

Woodley, known as ‘The Chosen One,’ hasn’t competed in MMA since 2021. His last few appearances in combat sports were in the boxing ring, where he faced YouTube sensation-turned-boxer Jake Paul. Unfortunately for Woodley, those bouts ended in disappointment, including a viral knockout loss in their rematch. Since then, there have been rumors of potential boxing matches with KSI and even Floyd Mayweather. However, Woodley has instead decided to return to his roots.

The Comeback Announcement

In a recent interview with Ariel Helwani, Woodley revealed what drew him to sign with the Global Fight League. While he didn’t disclose exact figures, he hinted that the financial offer was significant enough to make his decision an easy one.

“I like it because I like that the OGs get paid, man,” Woodley stated. “Getting boxing money in MMA is a whole flex. I’m just excited to be a part of the new wave.”

The former champion also shared that he’s thrilled to be part of a promotion that prioritizes giving fighters opportunities to make a good payday. For Woodley, who has been vocal about fighter pay issues in the past, the chance to earn “boxing money” in MMA is a game-changer.

What’s Next for Tyron Woodley?

While Woodley’s opponent for his GFL debut hasn’t been announced, he dropped some tantalizing hints. According to ‘The Chosen One,’ his first fight will likely be against another former UFC star, someone he almost fought during his time under Dana White’s banner.

“…It’ll be a big fight, it’s a fight I should’ve had in the UFC that I didn’t,” Woodley teased. “I actually spoke about having this fight [previously]… I’m excited. That kind of stuff makes me excited.”

This cryptic statement has already sparked speculation among fans. Could it be a long-awaited clash with someone like Robbie Lawler, who he dethroned to win the welterweight title? Or perhaps a grudge match against Colby Covington, a fight that never materialized despite their heated rivalry?

The Global Fight League’s Ambitions

The GFL has been slowly gaining momentum since its inception. While it hasn’t hosted an event yet, the promotion has focused on acquiring veteran talent to bolster its roster. With Darren Owen and other executives finally gearing up for events, the league is poised to make a splash in the MMA world this year.

Woodley’s signing is just the beginning. During his interview, the former champion hinted that several more high-profile names are about to join the promotion.

“You’ll see a couple of guys signed that are going to really raise your eyebrows,” Woodley said.

Why This Matters

Tyron Woodley’s return to MMA represents more than just a comeback story; it’s a pivotal moment for the GFL. Landing a fighter of Woodley’s caliber and legacy demonstrates that the promotion is serious about competing with established organizations like the UFC and Bellator.

For Woodley, this is a chance to rewrite the narrative of his career. While his UFC tenure ended with a series of losses and his boxing outings were underwhelming, this return to MMA gives him an opportunity to remind fans why he was once considered one of the best welterweights of all time.

Final Thoughts with Fight.TV

The Global Fight League’s first event in April is shaping up to be a can’t-miss debut. With Tyron Woodley’s involvement and promises of more big-name signings, the promotion is injecting new life into the MMA landscape.

As Woodley himself put it, “It made sense for me.” And for fans of MMA, it makes sense to watch closely as ‘The Chosen One’ steps back into the cage to reclaim his legacy. Fight.TV is here for it!