Tyron Woodley has been forced to withdraw from his welterweight bout against Robbie Lawler at next month's UFC Fight Night on ESPN. The highly anticipated rematch was slated to headline the Minneapolise event on June 29, but the former UFC champion confirmed he has suffered a hand injury.
Woodley took to
Instagram, confirming his injury while walking fans through the decision to pull out of his rematch with Lawler.
“A lot of questions about my hand and me not fighting June 29,” Woodley said.
“I don’t know if they’re going to reschedule me and Robbie for a different date or if they’re going to actually get him a new opponent. But, I got to make sure I protect my hand. That’s where I make the money with. I have to be confident throwing my moneymaker, my right hand. I toughed it through the last fight, guys, a lot of f**king tape, a lot of avoidance. This time around I’ve got to be honest with myself.
“The gripping, the grabbing, the posting, the pushing off, the strength, the snapping – all of the above was a little bit more difficult. I’m going to make sure I put myself in position to be successful. At the end of the day, I got to get that belt back. I’ve got to put myself in the best position.”
Woodley has no put a time frame on when he will return. The 37-year-old, who underwent surgery on his right hand last year for a dislocated thumb, is reportedly scheduled to see a hand specialist this week.
Woodley (19-4-1), who lost the welterweight belt to Kamaru Usman at UFC 235 in March, had originally won claimed when he knocked out Lawler int he first round of their 2016 fight at UFC 201. Woodley went on to defend the title in four straight fights before his nearly three-year reign as champion came to an end earlier this year. Woodley, the No. 1 ranked welterweight contender, was actively vying for a rematch against Usman.
Lawler (28-13), meanwhile, is coming off a
controversial loss at UFC 235 against MMA veteran Ben Askren. The UFC is currently seeking a replacement for Lawler to keep him on the card.