UFC welterweight champion Tyron Woodley is currently gearing up for his UFC 209 welterweight title fight with Stephen Thompson in March. Ahead of the fight, Woodley has drawn some criticism for his recent comments in which he explains that he believes he is the worst treated champion in the UFC. In addition, Woodley explained that he believes race plays a major role in certain occurrences in the MMA community such as why UFC pound for pound kingpin Demetrious Johnson isn’t a bigger star with more endorsements.
“Who’s the pound-for-pound fighter in the world right now? Demetrious Johnson. African-American male, complete Tasmanian Devil. Why isn’t he getting the big endorsements? Why isn’t he making the most money? What’s the difference?
“Think about it. The second Jon Jones slipped on a banana peel — granted he’s his own worst enemy — but they can’t wait to throw him underneath the bus. People of different races are given several chances.”
That didn’t sit too well with former UFC fighter Jamie Varner, who fought professionally for over a decade, racking up 35 professional fights.
The race baiting and the excuse making of @TWooodley is sad. I would expect more from a fellow wrestler and fighter. #noclass
— Jamie Varner (@jamievarner) January 21, 2017
@jamievarner Sounding like a fan is sad. Ur career is sad, & u made the most excuses & complaints in all ur fight. Faked injuries & Irrelevant.
— Tyron T-Wood Woodley (@TWooodley) January 21, 2017
@TWooodley u are a great talent My career is over but remember this u see all the same people on ur way 2the top that u do back 2the bottom
— Jamie Varner (@jamievarner) January 21, 2017
@jamievarner If I ever make it there I'll come say hi to you. Just don't speak globally on issues you have no knowledge on or business with!
— Tyron T-Wood Woodley (@TWooodley) January 21, 2017
@TWooodley here's the thing, out of anyone on twitter I'm the most qualified to talk about treatment of fighters under the ufc umbrella
— Jamie Varner (@jamievarner) January 21, 2017
This article first appeared on BJPenn.com on 1/21/2017.