During a recent interview on ESPN, UFC fighter Tyron Woodley claims that there is racism in the sport."If I was a different complexion I think people and fans would treat me a different way," Woodley told Cari Champion.
"Some people don't like to hear it but it's the culture of our sport. We're dealing with a different set of rules," said Woodley, while theorizing that the powers that be are mapping his career in a manner which grooms him as a come-up for the sports' next white sensation. Woodley inferred that his drawing a conclusion that race plays a part in match-making should not occur as a surprise to anyone, although he understands that such an accusation coming from him, will be seen as aggressive. "The second I bring up race in the sport [i'm immediately 'race baiting'], but I can point out clear facts where no other champion has been treated like me," said Woodley.
After scoring a knock out over Robbie Lawler, Woodley was set to move quickly through the ranks. But despite having expressed an eagerness to take on Nick Diaz or Georges St-Pierre for a big money fight, he was disheartened to learn that his November opponent would be sensational striker Stephen Thompson. He would eventually put the disdain he had for what he saw as Thompson being promoted as the champion before even facing him, and go to battle with the 'Wonderboy' [Thompson] in a November fight that ended in a draw, despite Woodley having knocked him down several times and won the critical rounds. The decision was a disappointment for Thompson, and the re-match established before he could even involve himself in talks for a more lucrative scrap, constituted what he saw as a travesty; one which has further made him feel constricted and undervalued.
Woodley says that despite his feelings towards the UFC, he is good with Thompson; simply calling out facts. They won't be the best of friends on March 4 though, when they will go to war for the UFC 209 crowd at Las Vegas' T-Mobile Arena.
Source: instagram.com
