Tyron Woodley ~ Revealing The Secret of GDP4
Written by J. Andrew Yount
On the surface, February 7th’s Patriot Act event was all about showcasing the debut of Olympic wrestler Ben Askren, and after it was over the talk was about Askren’s successful debut in MMA, and Din Thomas’ successful debut at 145 lbs. However, the most dominant debut of the night might well have belonged to welterweight Tyron Woodley. Woodley (0-0 prior to that night) would submit Steve Schneider (11-15-1) with strikes early in the first round. Schneider would have no offense as ‘T-Wood’ would stuff a takedown attempt and land all seven of his strikes before his opponent would tap out at 1:08 of the first round.
Asked how it felt to share his debut with his fellow American Top Team teammate, Woodley commented, “It’s a business. I'm not in it for the wrong reasons. Plus Ben is a good friend of mine and I want to see him do well. I am also willing to do anything in my power to help him. It was a smart marketing move to draw attention with Ben. Either you like him or you don't. It has nothing to do with if I’m better right now or not. Forget me, what about Din Thomas, the Main Event! Well worthy of attention and could have built the show around him. But for a venue in Columbia (which Ben was a co-promoter of) it was a very smart business move. I am confident where my career is headed. No worries.” And thus the Tyron Woodley era has officially begun.
Tyron already has accomplished a lot in his life: Undefeated HS State Champ, Junior National All-American, High School National All- American, Big XII Champion, and a 2-time All-American. He also has over 100 collegiate wins at Mizzou and has been ranked by the Olympic team.
But, Woodley would tell anyone that his biggest accomplishments in life would be, “When I graduated I was the first one from my family to get a college degree, landed an assistant coaching job in college athletics, and was a huge part of my son’s life. I am nothing like the 'T-Wood' you see in the cage. I’m slow to anger. Haven't had a street fight in over ten years. I am professional and about my Father’s (God's) business and he has been about mine. Most people that know me, before I fight, are very surprised when they see the transformation that takes place.”
After a 7-0 amateur record, all wins by stoppage, how does ‘T-Wood’ feel about finally being a professional fighter? “I don't feel like I've been drafted or anything. For me it is more of a relief! My training/management staff and I have been trying to get to this fight for two years now. I don't train like an amateur, nor do I do this for the heck of it. So, in my mind and in my training, I have been a professional.”
About his training, Woodley believes that one can never train with enough talent, “I fight for ATT (American Top Team), but I train all over the place. I have also trained with Matt Lindland and Team Quest, and Robbie Lawler and The HIT Squad. My manager/trainer trains me, 90% of the time, out of St. Charles MMA. I train with a lot of our young guns. I like doing this because their egos are at 0. They are still hungry and they go hard. Look out for Lance Benost, Matt Ricehouse, Bobby Russell, Rob Sherry, and Josh Sampo. The next generation! Until I get a contract that will support me full time, I will continue to work and train and get out of town whenever I can. Fortunately I will be going to Coconut Creek (ATT’s Headquarters) Sunday to train with Thiago Alves (humbling!), Yves Edwards, Din Thomas, and many other ATT studs.”
Confident, yet humble, Woodley knows his strengths, as well as his weaknesses. “Wrestling and Cardio will have to go to the top. But I am pretty nasty with my hands. I haven't had a chance to show it, but I have been doing a lot of Muay Thai training and sparring with pro boxers."
He knows that the path to gold won’t be easy, especially at welterweight. “I walk around at 185, so I’m not cutting much weight. And yes, I plan on staying. It the toughest weight out there. What better belt to hold?”
Woodley’s also made a plan on how he plans to get there, “Nick Diaz, Jake Shields, Diego Sanchez. I think these are all tough fighters with world class resumes. I think my style matches up perfect with theirs. A win against one of these guys could jump me in front of a lot of MMA up and comers. A loss would do what?…...Nothing! That’s the luxury of being the underdog. But my disgust with losing is what makes me so dangerous.”
But what about the immediate future for the now 1-0 phenom? “I am looking for a fight right now. There seems to be very few fight cards left this month, and not many next month either. If you know of some holla at me. I’m trying to get something locked down at the beginning of March. Then fight again in April (either in STL or Columbia again).”
“Get in Dat Place, Get in Dat Position, Get Dat Paper, and Give Dat Praise! That’s GDP4” – Tyron Woodley
Check out the full interview here: http://www.mmaspot.net/showthread.php?p=97166#post97166
TTT for T-Wood
A great guy and very talented !!!!!
TTT for Tyron
This guy is a monster.
I just hope he gets the fights he deserves and is not avoided by the big names because he is so damn good, yet so young in the sport.