LOS ANGELES -- The UFC 209 welterweight title fight between Tyron Woodley and Stephen Thompson is an intriguing rematch of one of 2016’s best fights.
But Woodley, who retained his championship via majority decision at UFC 205, has made it clear this wasn’t his first choice for his next fight.
Talks were held about making Woodley vs. Nick Diaz the main event on March 4 in Las Vegas, which would have given extra meaning to the “209” in UFC 209, as it’s the area code of Diaz’s infamous hometown of Stockton, Calif.
And while Woodley doesn’t know the details on why the bout wasn’t made, he also believes the UFC missed the boat in not making the match.