Colby Covington has labelled Tyron Woodley “broke” and accused the former UFC champ of planning to throw his bout against Jake Paul.
Woodley, who has held the UFC Welterweight title during his career, is set to become the latest MMA star to face-off against YouTube star Paul.
After knocking out Ben Askren earlier this year, Paul will take on Woodley in a boxing pay-per-view at the end of August.
It is likely to be the divisive YouTuber’s most difficult assignment since moving into the ring in 2019.
Covington beat Woodley via technical knockout last year and believes the 39-year-old has only been selected by Paul’s team as he is well past his best.
“Without a doubt, he’s picking these fights with guys that are kind of toward the end of their career,” Covington told MMA Junkie.
“Make no mistakes – Tyron has a great legacy. He was a world champion a couple of times, but he’s past his time.
“He’s almost 40 years old now. He’s 38, 39, and Jake’s taking the right steps and taking the right fights with the right fighters that are kind of at the end of their careers and don’t really have enough gas left in the tank, so it’s sad.”
Former interim Welterweight champion Covington then suggested that his former foe could throw the fight, due to his current financial situation.
“They’re doing this on purpose, and I really think Tyron is going out there to take a dive. I think he’s broke,” the controversial Covington added.
“He needs the money. He’s got mouths to feed. He’s got a lot of alimony cheques to pay.
Will Jake Paul beat Tyron Woodley when the two meet? Have your say in the comments
“So I think he’s just going to go out there and take a dive. It’s going to be a circus, and we know boxing is the most corrupt sport in the world as it is.
“So this little side circus they’re doing with Jake Paul, of course they’re going to favour his way to make it a work.”
Covington hinted he may attend the bout and told Paul that he is ready to fight him, if he wants to truly prove his credibility.
He continued: “Jake Paul needs to know he’s not a real fighter. He’s a little YouTube star. He was a little Lizzy McGuire Disney child kid growing up and now he’s got a bunch of fame from the Disney world.
“But I’m still Tyron’s daddy and Jake Paul has to come see daddy if he wants to claim to be one of the best fighters in the world. But until then, you want to keep fighting these guys that are past their time, then OK.
"But it’s not credible and Tyron Woodley does not represent the MMA world.”
