Former UFC Welterweight champion Tyron Woodley achieved a remarkable comeback victory at Real American Freestyle (RAF) 12, marking his first combat sports win in nearly eight years. Facing a substantial deficit against Joaquin Buckley, Woodley rallied in the second period, securing an impressive 14-8 triumph. This win signifies a pivotal moment in Woodley's career, following a challenging period of consecutive losses in both UFC and boxing.
Woodley's Dramatic Turnaround at RAF 12
Former Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Welterweight king, Tyron Woodley, ended an almost eight-year period without a victory in combat sports. He accomplished this feat in spectacular fashion at Real American Freestyle (RAF) 12, held at Rocket Arena in Cleveland, Ohio, where he faced Joaquin Buckley. The contest initially appeared to be heading for a quick defeat for Woodley, as Buckley dominated the early stages with significant throws, putting Woodley in a precarious position just two points away from a technical fall.
However, Woodley, a two-time NCAA Division I All-American, demonstrated incredible resilience and determination. He methodically clawed his way back into the fight, securing crucial points through step-outs and a decisive four-point gut-wrench maneuver just before the first period concluded. This remarkable shift in momentum saw him narrow Buckley's lead to a single point. In the final period, Woodley equalized the score with another step-out, before executing a game-changing four-point takedown and adding two more points to seal his inspiring 14-8 victory.
A Resurgent Career: From Drought to Triumph
This victory holds immense significance for Tyron Woodley, as it marks his first triumph in any combat sport since his submission win against Darren Till at UFC 228 in September 2018. Following that fight, Woodley endured a challenging period, experiencing four consecutive losses in the UFC, including relinquishing his Welterweight title to Kamaru Usman. His struggles continued into the boxing world, where he faced three defeats against high-profile opponents Jake Paul (twice) and Anderson Silva.
Despite these setbacks, Woodley's unwavering belief in himself was evident in his post-fight remarks, where he emphasized maintaining composure and a winning mindset. This hard-fought victory at RAF 12 is a testament to his enduring spirit and combat prowess. Woodley's schedule remains demanding, with a return to RAF Moscow on September 5, where he is set to face former UFC Middleweight champion Khamzat Chimaev in what promises to be another thrilling main event.
