Tyron Woodley has announced his intention to return to MMA competition, stating he wants to give the sport a proper sendoff. MVP and Ki MMA are among the promotions in consideration for his comeback fight. Woodley expressed that he plans to compete freely and on his own terms.
Tyron Woodley has announced plans to return to mixed martial arts competition, with multiple promotions reportedly in discussions to host his comeback fight as of mid-September 2026.
Woodley, widely known as "The Chosen One," expressed that he wants to give the sport a proper sendoff and intends to compete on his own terms. MVP and Ki MMA are among the organizations said to be in consideration for the bout. No opponent has been named at this stage.
The 44-year-old American carries a professional MMA record of 19 wins, 7 losses, and 1 draw. Standing five-foot-nine with a 74-inch reach, the orthodox fighter out of American Top Team Evolution built his reputation as one of welterweight's most feared strikers and wrestlers. Over the course of his career he averaged 2.36 significant strikes landed per minute at a 48 percent striking accuracy rate, while also mixing in takedowns at a rate of 1.06 per 15 minutes. The United States native's combination of power and wrestling made him a dominant force at 170 pounds during his prime years.
Why it matters
- Woodley remains a recognizable name whose return could draw significant attention to whichever promotion lands the fight
- The involvement of MVP and Ki MMA signals interest from organizations outside the UFC in securing high-profile veteran talent
- His stated desire to compete freely and on his own terms suggests he is not locked into any existing contractual framework
- At 44, this is framed as a farewell run rather than a full-scale comeback, which shapes expectations around the matchmaking
