Tyron Woodley details ‘rock bottom’ after losing UFC title to Kamaru Usman

Tyron Woodley has opened up about the severe emotional toll of losing his UFC welterweight title to Kamaru Usman in 2019, describing a period of depression that followed the one-sided defeat. Speaking with Ariel Helwani, the former champion revealed that he felt humiliated when the loss occurred, believing that everyone—including the UFC, Usman, and his critics—was finally getting what they wanted after years of his dominance.

During his title reign, Woodley was juggling personal struggles: a divorce, a new relationship, a child, and unsustainable spending of around $40,000 per month. Despite going three years without losing a round in the UFC, the loss to Usman triggered a downward spiral. Woodley credits UFC Hall of Famer Demetrious Johnson with attempting to help him through the depression, though "The Chosen One" describes reaching rock bottom.

After the title loss, Woodley never won again in the UFC and departed the promotion in 2021 following a four-fight losing streak. He then pursued boxing, suffering three consecutive defeats including a knockout loss to Jake Paul. Woodley's winless streak finally ended with a wrestling victory over Joaquin Buckley at RAF 12, a breakthrough he described as a tremendous relief. Most recently, however, he suffered a pinfall loss to Khamzat Chimaev in a wrestling match at RAF Moscow, continuing his struggles outside the octagon.