Advertisement

Tyron Woodley Signs New Contract, Lands UFC 174 Bout with Rory MacDonald

Robbie Lawler vs. Tyron Woodley Headline UFC 201 on July 30

Tyron Woodley was a happy man on Tuesday. He signed a new eight-fight contract with the UFC and booked his next fight.

Woodley tweeted about his new deal and revealed that he has agreed to fight Rory MacDonald at UFC 174 on June 14 in Vancouver. UFC officials later confirmed the fight as well.

Woodley (13-2) didn’t specify the details of his new contract, other than the fact that it gave him eight more bouts in the Octagon.

Although he failed to take the welterweight championship from Nate Marquardt in his final Strikeforce fight, Woodley made an impressive move to the UFC. He knocked out Jay Hieron in his promotional debut, but then slipped up, losing a split decision to Jake Shields in his sophomore effort.

Woodley bounced back strong, however, knocking out Josh Koscheck, and then scoring a TKO stoppage of Carlos Condit recently at UFC 171, making him one of the top contenders in the 170-pound division.

His fight with MacDonald (16-2) could end up being for the top spot on the contender’s list.

The Canadian has also amassed a stellar career in the Octagon. Having spent years as former champion Georges St-Pierre’s understudy, MacDonald has run his UFC record to 7-2, including victories over the likes of Nate Diaz, Jake Ellenberger, BJ Penn, and most recently, Demian Maia.

The fight with Woodley presents MacDonald with the opportunity to fully step out of St-Pierre’s shadow and potentially earn a shot at the title.

UFC officials have yet to name a headliner for UFC 174, which takes place on June 14 at Rogers Arena in Vancouver.

Follow MMAWeekly.com on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.