Predicting Every UFC Champion in 2019

---

Welterweight

Incumbent Champion: Tyron Woodley

Prediction: The UFC strips Woodley of his title to wedge him into fighting on the UFC 235 card in March, then hastily retreats after Woodley files a breach of contract claim seeking an injunction or a release from his contract. Woodley beats both Colby Covington and Kamaru Usman later in the year and Dana White’s head explodes.

Explanation: 170-pounds is one of the deepest divisions in the UFC -- there are 91 welterweights currently under contract -- and is currently ruled by Woodley, one of the company’s most dominant champions in recent memory with side hustles as a fight analyst, rapper and Hollywood actor. Despite all that, the UFC seems to be seriously considering stripping “T-Wood” if he can’t get healthy by Mar. 2 to fight Kamaru Usman at UFC 235, with it being unclear who would fill Woodley’s spot.

I scrutinized White’s criticisms against Woodley in a column last month and won’t repeat myself here, except to say that his condemnations don’t stack up and it would be promotional vandalism to strip him of his title. That said, White is on record as saying he no longer listens to criticism, so don’t be surprised if he follows through on his plan and strips Woodley to prove a point.

When that happens, I predict that fan backlash and perhaps a hastily filed lawsuit from Woodley’s camp would force the UFC to back-down, eventually paving the way for the champion to defend when he’s good and ready. Usman and Colby Covington are both deserving challengers and pose problems for “T-Wood,” but given the champ’s most recent performance -- a superlative second round submission over Darren Till, who landed only one significant strike -- I can’t find it in me to bet against him. Woodley will enter 2020 as the champion.

Read More » Lightweight