"It was like a simulation" - Tyron Woodley blames "wack" Apex arena for UFC downfall, talks potential MMA return
Tyron Woodley recently discussed his return to mixed martial arts. Woodley also blamed the Apex arena for his downfall in the UFC.
For the majority of his UFC career, Woodley fought in packed arenas. Nevertheless, he spent his final three fights at the promotion's Apex facility. 'The Chosen One' lost all of his fights at the facility before parting ways with the promotional leader in MMA.
In a recent interview with Title Sports Network, Woodley slammed the Apex facility for his last couple of performances in UFC. He said:
''To be honest, when I was fighting my last couple MMA fights it was just kind of like a simulation. The whole APEX arena deal is kind of wack, it's like a sparring session. I don't let people come watch me spar. I don't like it, being in a weird awkward room. The cage was super small, and I just really wasn't motivated to be in a fight especially at that time. Those fights to me are like exhibition fights."
The former UFC welterweight champion also discussed his return to MMA, saying:
''I do think the fans deserve to see me go out there, see me run through somebody, see the Tyron that they know. I'm capable of being and put a proper close to MMA career so I'm planning for a big MMA fight, possibly in the Middle East.''
Check out Tyron Woodley's comments below:
In 2024, the UFC held 12 events, nine of which took place at the Apex facility. Although some fans appreciate the venue, MMA journalist Ariel Helwani and others have already voiced their discontent, suggesting Dana White and his team should return to their traveling schedule.
Woodley also expressed his displeasure by commenting on Helwani's Instagram post. He views all fights at the Apex as exhibitions, writing:
''I hated that f*cking place. I just count all them exhibitions.''
Check out Ariel Helwani's comments on the Apex below:
Tyron Woodley's performance at the Apex arena
Tyron Woodley's UFC career ended badly, as the former UFC welterweight champion lost his last four consecutive MMA fights, three of which took place at the UFC Apex center in Las Vegas, Nevada.
The American's last fight in the UFC was against Vicente Luque at UFC 260 at the Apex. Woodley lost the fight via submission in the opening round.
Check out the post below:
'The Chosen One' had defeats at the hands of Colby Covington and Gilbert Burns at the Apex facility before his loss to Luque.