UFC 209 Wonderboy Favored Over Woodley

Has a UFC champion ever been kicked to the curb like this? Tyron Woodley will defend his Welterweight title this Saturday at UFC 209, live on pay-per-view from the T-Mobile Arena on the Las Vegas Strip. At press time, Woodley (16-3-1 lifetime, 6-2-1 UFC) is a +135 underdog to the challenger, Stephen “Wonderboy” Thompson (13-1-1 lifetime, 8-1-1 UFC).

This will be the second time these two gentlemen have stepped into the Octagon. Their first fight at UFC 205 in November ended in a majority draw, with one judge giving it to Woodley (+140) and the others calling it a saw-off. Woodley had the better performance for the most part, but the popular Thompson made a late charge and nearly won the title.

Just like they did in November, the odds are moving toward Thompson as the fight approaches. This was a virtual pick ‘em until recently, but the challenger hasn’t lost in the Octagon since 2012, using his 5th-degree black belt karate skills to upset Johny Hendricks (–330) and Rory Macdonald (–135) before securing the draw against Woodley. Thompson is also three inches taller at 6-feet with a slight reach advantage.