Former UFC champion Tyron Woodley questions Dana White’s declaration of Kamaru Usman as the greatest welterweight of all time. Amid the fanfare around UFC 322—where Islam Makhachev claimed the welterweight title—Woodley argues that backroom politics may matter more than a fighter’s record in earning such praise.
Subscribe
Analysis and Opinions
Tyron Woodley: ‘Kamaru Usman is not the greatest welterweight of all time … he is the one that kissed the most ass’
Photo by Mma Fighting
Key Takeaways:
- Tyron Woodley believes UFC politics overshadow talent in designating top fighters.
- Dana White has declared Kamaru Usman the greatest welterweight of all time, sparking debate.
- Woodley bluntly claims Usman “kissed the most ass” to earn that status.
- UFC 322 featured Islam Makhachev’s shutout victory over Jack Della Maddalena for the 170-pound title.
- The “greatest of all time” label remains controversial among fighters and fans alike.
A Heated Debate Over the Welterweight Crown
Tyron Woodley, a former UFC welterweight champion, has weighed in on Dana White’s recent declaration that Kamaru Usman is the greatest 170-pound fighter in the sport’s history. Woodley’s remarks sweep aside any conventional praise, as he casts doubt on the grounds for White’s endorsement.
Woodley’s Response to Dana White
Dana White’s commendation of Usman has not surprised Woodley, but it has stirred a candid reaction. According to Woodley, UFC politics—rather than pure athletic performance—often influence who gets labeled as the best. “Kamaru Usman is not the greatest welterweight of all time,” he insists, believing there is more to the story.
The Role of MMA Politics
Woodley does not mince words. He boldly claims that Usman “is the one that kissed the most ass,” suggesting that behind-the-scenes relationships can prove as crucial as a decisive victory in the Octagon. Coming from a former champion who once stood at the pinnacle of the welterweight division, this perspective underscores the complexities of how UFC champions are elevated and recognized.
UFC 322 and the Changing Landscape
Woodley’s comments emerge against the backdrop of UFC 322, a night where Islam Makhachev claimed the 170-pound title with what was described as a shutout performance over Jack Della Maddalena. This shift in the welterweight division adds more uncertainty to any discussion of who truly reigns supreme.
Why Woodley’s Perspective Matters
As the debate over all-time greatness intensifies, Woodley’s accusations about politics challenge the credibility of backroom maneuvering in the UFC. While Dana White’s endorsements carry influence, the ongoing shuffle of titles and champions—like Makhachev’s most recent victory—reminds fans that MMA remains a constantly evolving sport, where the “greatest of all time” designation can change as quickly as the next title fight.
