Tyron Woodley lauds Islam Makhachev as welterweight champion
Tyron Woodley revealed the reasons behind rating George St-Pierre and Robbie Lawler as better welterweight champions despite appreciating Islam Makhachev.
Tyron Woodley recently went all praise for Islam Makhachev's welterweight title reign. However, 'T-Wood' also opined that the Dagestani has yet to enter the league of the most well-received welterweights, like Georges St-Pierre and Robbie Lawler.
Woodley appreciated an aspect of Makhachev's character that fuels his in-cage domination, while also mentioning why he rates champions like St-Pierre and Lawler more formidable than Makhachev.
Tyron Woodley on What Makes Islam Makhachev Dominant Inside Cage
Following Makhachev's maiden successful welterweight title defense at UFC 330, Woodley was interviewed by sports reporter Helen Yee, where he talked about Makhachev's welterweight title reign. After labeling the Dagestani a "great champion," Woodley expressed his thoughts about what makes Makhachev and most other Dagestani fighters such menacing opponents.
He said, "I feel the biggest factor behind all the Dagestani wrestlers is discipline. That's what I admire the most about them. Khabib set the tone, and they're trying to get their careers done without being defeated. So, if you look at their ability to dominate, it's remarkable."
"They're trying to get their careers done without being defeated." đź’Ż
— Red Corner MMA (@RedCorner_MMA) August 21, 2026
Tyron Woodley has high praise for Islam Makhachev, pointing to discipline as one of the biggest reasons behind his continued dominance.
Woodley believes Khabib Nurmagomedov set the tone for the Dagestani… pic.twitter.com/vccm09ojZN
However, Woodley's appreciative tone changed as he moved on to a comparison between Makhachev and other noted welterweights like St-Pierre, Lawler, and Carlos Condit. He revealed what, according to him, makes the other three names tougher opponents than the reigning welterweight king.
Tyron Woodley Details why Islam Makhachev Lags Behind GSP, Others
Despite Makhachev having both knockout and submission victories on his record, Woodley mentioned that his overall fighting style doesn't concern him much. The former welterweight champ stated that he would be far more worried about fighting the ones like Robbie Lawler and Carlos Condit, who could knock him out, or St-Pierre, who could control him on the ground.
He said, "But when I look at the style, or matching up against myself or the guys who were in the league when I was at the top, I'm not gonna say I'm not impressed. But it wouldn't give me butterflies like certain guys, like looking at a Robbie Lawler, looking at a Carlos Condit, somebody that can knock you out. Or maybe take you down like a Georges St-Pierre, I just don't see that."
Woodley's opinion probably stems from the fact that both of Makhachev's victories at welterweight have come via decision. However, the lightweight KO/TKO victories on Makhachev's record suggest that he has the potential to replicate the same at welterweight. Hence, Woodley might have to change his opinion soon.
