Originally, this bout was supposed to be the final chapter of a great MMA rivalry. Chris Weidman—a man who beat Silva twice in the UFC—was to meet The Spider for a third time in the boxing ring.
Weidman pulled out of the fight with an injury and Woodley stepped in his place.
“I believe that change always happens for a reason,” Silva said, per Andreas Hale of ESPN. “I am focused on doing a good job. Always respecting my opponent and showing total respect to the boxing world.”
It’s an opportunity for Woodley to win his first fight since 2018 and his first in boxing. T-Wood was a decorated wrestler whose MMA style eventually became predicated on his wrestling defense and killer power.
He’s had a rough time adapting that style to boxing, though. Much of his set up as a striker came from the fact that opponents had to respect his wrestling. His two fights against Paul worked to show The Problem Child’s growth than they did Woodley’s evolution.
That’s going to make it tough for him to overcome a challenge like Silva. The Spider’s precise counter-striking style was always better suited for a transition to boxing. He’s among the greatest of all time when it comes to timing and that counts for a lot.
There’s still age to consider. Silva doesn’t look anything like the man who ruled the UFC middleweight division at 50 years old. There’s a chance his output fades as the fight wears on.
But that should only ensure that Woodley doesn’t get shut out in the fight. This matchup still significantly favors Silva.
