Tyron Woodley has divided the MMA community ahead of his boxing fight with Jake Paul this weekend.
During his prime, Woodley was one of the most feared fighters in the whole of the UFC, stopping Robbie Lawlor and Darren Till in iconic performances.
But having lost his last four and being released from MMA's top promotion, the belief that he can be the man to end Paul's hype train is not universal.
Former welterweight title contender and renowned analyst Dan Hardy has in fact backed Paul, telling BT Sport that he knows he'll upset people, but believes the boxing rule set gives the YouTuber an advantage.
“I’m going to surprise people here, and I’m probably going to let the MMA world down," Hardy admitted. "But I actually think Jake Paul’s going to do it.
"I’ll tell you why – it’s because of my concern of Tyron Woodley’s gas tank. This is eight rounds.
"He’s going in there against a guy that’s had three pro fights; of course, he’s not been fighting world-beaters.
"But this is Tyron coming towards the end of his competitive career and stepping in there with ego, with anger, against a young kid who’s got some experience and has all the belief in the world.”
And he was joined in his assessment by the former double champion Henry Cejudo, who believes that Jake has a better grasp on 'the sweet science' of boxing.
"Jake Paul is going to beat Tyron Woodley because boxing and MMA are two different things," Cejudo said on the Real Quick with Mike Swick Podcast .
"Woodley just has an overhand, he's not a combination fighter, that overhand is vicious but with an 8-10 oz glove, you don't have that much power.
"This kid Jake Paul is a former wrestler, he's from Ohio and he's been wrestling for quite some time.
"He's been around some of the best boxers for the last three years and actually taking that s*** serious and for that reason I think Jake is either going to stop him or beat him by decision.
"The sweet science of boxing is just a different game."
However, other MMA pros are sticking with their man, with top lightweight contender Michael Chandler backing Woodley.
"I think Tyron is even more focused because there is even more to lose," Chandler told TMZ Sport. "Even though there is so much upside with how high profile of a fight this is.
"I think as Tyron always does, he takes it in stride. He’s enjoying the process. And I think we’re going to see a phenomenal performance, and we’re all going to be tuning in to see a great fight.”
Chandler was concurred with by Kevin Lee, a former lightweight title contender, who also believes Woodley will have his hand raised.
"I've got to say Woodley," Lee said during an appearance on The MMA Hour. "That's my boy, I know him personally.
"I don't like a boxing fight but you know, I gotta say Woodley. The experience is just going to be way too much for him so I've got to say Woodley."
