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Two Minutes and 10 Quick Questions with Tyron Woodley
Written by Jamie Hughes   
Tuesday, 09 March 2010 00:04
FLD’s Jamie Hughes managed to snag some time with Strikeforce’s rising welterweight prospect and future contender, Tyron “T-Wood” Woodley.  In this brief exchange, Tyron talks about how wrestling aided his transition to MMA, when he’ll be ready to fight for the Strikeforce belt, while also alluding to when he might be fighting next. To read on, click below!




Jamie Hughes (JH): Tyron, before this interview gets underway, I and everyone over at FightLockdown just wanted to thank you for taking the time to answer our questions. How have you been?

Tyron Woodley (TW): “I’ve been good. I don’t fight for a while, so I’ve been helping some friends of mine -- Yves Edwards and Michael Chandler.”


(JH): Your professional record is 5-0 with 5 submissions – a really impressive stat considering your original base was wrestling. How much would you credit your wrestling background with your smooth transition to MMA?

(TW): “The hard work, dedication, and drilling mentality that comes from my wrestling background has been everything to my transition to MMA.”


(JH): You initially trained professionally at AKA, but you now train at American Top Team. What was the deciding factor in you joining that camp over any other in the States?

(TW): “I never joined AKA. I was invited to train at AKA, but really I have been fighting for ATT since 2006. I just made it offical in 2009.”


(JH): Would you be content to spend most of your career training at ATT, or is cross-training (like Georges St. Pierre) an option you would be interested in pursuing in the future?

(TW): “There are a lot of good guys at ATT, but I like to train with all types of fighters depending on the opponent, so I’m not against that approach.”


(JH): How much of an influence does training with an elite-level welterweight like Thiago Alves have on you? Does it help you put your own development as a fighter into perspective?

(TW): [laughs] “Thiago is a really good partner for me. We really push each other. I think it definitely gives me an assessment of where I am at.”


(JH): Speaking of Thiago, have you been helping him to prepare for his rematch with Jon Fitch?

(TW): “You already know. I like Fitch, he was really receptive to helping me San Jose. I will just give Thiago a look, I won’t tell him all Jon's tricks (not that I know them, anyway).”


(JH): In the past, you’ve stated many times that you’re in no rush to get to the belt, as you’re more interested in developing your skills and becoming a better all-around fighter. That said, how long do you think it will be before you feel that you’re ready to challenge for a title?

(TW): “December 2010.”


(JH): When can we expect to see you fighting next and are there any potential opponents that have been presented to you?

(TW): “No opponents yet, so I’m waiting to hear back from SF. I might be fighting in May.”


(JH): Outside of fighting, you're currently attending SIUE and working towards a degree in Public Administration. How difficult do you find balancing your responsibilities as both a student (in Illinois) and as a professional fighter (training in Florida)?

(TW): “I live in St. Louis and train everywhere. I really wonder how it happens, but then I look up in the sky and smile.”


(JH): I read that you hope to some day run a non-profit facility to expose at-risk youths to sports and teach them life skills. Do you have any updates on that or is that on the backburner for the time being?

(TW): “It’s actually in the forefront now, next year we will be up and running. Check out tyronwoodley.com for future updates!”


(JH): Once again, Tyron, all your fans and FightLockdown.com would like to thank you for your time. We wish you the best of luck with your training and your future endeavours. Do you have a parting message for your fans, or any sponsors you would like to thank?

(TW): “If you have a dream, chase it with everything to make it possible. And when things get tough, remember you can do all things through the power of Christ which strengthens you. Thanks to TapOut, Clinch Gear, ATT, St. Charles MMA, Dobbs Tires, and EA Sports!”