Imagine stepping into the ring as a champion, only to have a former rival unleash a torrent of criticism years later – that's exactly the baffling situation Kamaru Usman finds himself in right now, leaving fans wondering what sparked this feud.
December 4, 2025, 5:10 p.m. ET
Kamaru Usman, the former UFC welterweight kingpin – that's the 170-pound division for those new to mixed martial arts – is genuinely perplexed by Tyron Woodley's fiery tirade aimed squarely at him. For beginners, welterweight is one of the most exciting weight classes in MMA, packed with athletic strikers and grapplers who deliver high-stakes action.
Woodley didn't hold back in his recent outburst, where he not only shot down UFC president Dana White's bold assertion that Usman is the greatest welterweight champion ever, but also labeled him a 'kiss-ass' – a term that implies bootlicking or overly flattering behavior toward authority figures. This all stems from their shared history: back in 2019, Usman decisively defeated Woodley at UFC 235 in a one-sided dominant performance, claiming the welterweight title and embarking on a remarkable reign that included five successful defenses. Those defenses showcased Usman's skills against top contenders, solidifying his legacy in the sport.
With a professional record of 21-4 in MMA and 16-3 in the UFC, Usman has opened up about his mixed feelings. He recalls looking up to Woodley during his own rise through the ranks, inspired by the former champ's power and presence. But now? Usman's not so sure where they stand.
'Why on earth would he come at me like this?' Usman wondered aloud on his 'Pound 4 Pound' podcast alongside Henry Cejudo, a two-division UFC champion himself who brings insider insights to the show. 'I've never said a single negative word about him in public – not once. But let's be real, you can sense the resentment building. I've caught wind of his digs not just at me, but at my training camp, my teammates, even our manager. It's been going on for some time now.'
Usman continued, emphasizing that their paths to success were different, and that's okay. 'It's not like we copied your blueprint or anything – we just did things our way, and it worked out differently for us. I hate seeing you resort to this kind of negativity; it doesn't suit you at all, brother. There was a time when I was all in on your journey, thinking, "This guy's got it all figured out." But you're really testing my admiration here – it's getting tough to root for you like I used to.'
And this is the part most people miss: while Usman reflects on the past with a tinge of disappointment, he's laser-focused on the future. Right now, he's actively pushing for a crack at the UFC welterweight title, specifically against the newly crowned champion Islam Makhachev, who's making waves after moving up from lightweight. In his last fight back in June, Usman showed he's still got that killer instinct by halting Joaquin Buckley's impressive six-fight win streak in the octagon – a reminder that at 38, he's far from done.
But here's where it gets controversial: is Woodley's criticism just sour grapes from a retired fighter who feels overshadowed, or does he have a valid point about Usman's style and legacy? Some fans argue Woodley was the more dominant force during his prime, with knockout power that Usman never quite matched, while others see Usman's technical mastery and longevity as the true mark of greatness. What do you think – is Usman overreacting to the shade, or does Woodley owe him an explanation? Drop your thoughts in the comments below; I'd love to hear if you're Team Usman, Team Woodley, or somewhere in the middle. Let's keep the discussion respectful and spark some real MMA debate!
