Woodley plans showdown with Covington in early 2019

T. Woodley hopes the fight will take place at UFC 233. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook tyron.woodley

Tyron woodley is preparing for his return to the octagon and wants to unify the UFC welterweight belts in the first months of 2019. Almost recovered from hand surgery, 'Chose One' used Instagram to announce that he intends to face Colby covington at UFC 233, January 26th, in Anaheim (USA). However, the fighter depends on fully recovering from the injury suffered during the fight with Darren till at UFC 228.

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“My hand is doing well, healing well. I'm cleared to fight early next year, so the UFC is trying to see when I'll fight. We already know who I'm going to fight. January, February, March, one of those months (I'm going to fight). I'm looking at January 26th. It's kind of close, so we'll see. If I can do it, you better believe it will be done. If I can't, you can see me fighting in Las Vegas on March 2nd (at UFC 235), or in London (on March 16th). I don’t want to fight outside the country, but I’m not going to try to choose the location,” said Woodley.

The arch-rivals were scheduled to meet at UFC 228 in Dallas, but Covington was unable to fight as he had undergone nose surgery. With the spot available, Till was called up to fight for the welterweight belt. Woodley submitted the Englishman at 4:19 of the second round, but dislocated his right thumb and tore the ligament.

The rivalry between Woodley and Covington began when the fighters were part of the American Top Team. Recently, Tyron revealed that he paid $500 a week for his rival to be his sparring partner during training.

“Colby used to be my go-to guy for warmups. I hate to break the news to you, but I used to pay him to beat him up, it was $500 dollars a week, plus food, plus hotel, plus rental car, a variety of weapons, plus entertainment, personal trainer, massage therapy, yoga. I spoiled this little waste of sperm, and now out of nowhere he's talking nonsense,” 'Chose One' teased.

Tyron woodley won Robbie Lawler and won the welterweight belt in 2016. Since then, there have been four title defenses against Till, Demian Maia e Stephen Thompson (twice). 'Chose One' has 23 fights in his record, with 19 wins, three defeats and one draw.