Fighters give predictions for Paul-Woodley
In anticipation of Sunday's boxing match between YouTube star Jake Paul and former UFC champion Tyron Woodley, theScore asked more than a dozen fighters for their predictions.
(Responses have been lightly edited for clarity.)
Derek Brunson, UFC middleweight: I think Jake Paul is tough and getting better each fight. But I think Woodley's veteran savvy will get it done. Woodley is good at waiting to pick his shots and exploding. He has eight rounds to do so. I believe he will find his shot.
Gilbert Burns, UFC welterweight: I hope Tyron, but I think Jake wins.
Cody Garbrandt, former UFC bantamweight champion: Woodley by knockout.
Vicente Luque, UFC welterweight: My prediction for that fight is Woodley by knockout. I would say second or third round. I think it's a good fight. Jake has shown that he's not just a YouTuber - he can actually box. He's been training hard, but I think Woodley has shown that he's been getting ready for this, he's been having a lot of good training in boxing. I've been following him a little bit on social media. He's a super athlete. He hits hard. I've been hit by him, so I know that he has a lot of power in his hands. And I think he's going to get the knockout.
Shane Burgos, UFC featherweight: Woodley has been hit by the biggest punchers in MMA with four-ounce gloves on. I think Jake's cardiovascular endurance will be pushed because of Woodley's durability and the fact Woodley has done five, five-minute rounds multiple times. I have Woodley by knockout or TKO in the second half of the fight.
Matt Brown, UFC welterweight: Tyron should kill him. If he doesn't, then maybe Jake Paul is for real. Either way, good for Jake on making all that money.
Curtis Blaydes, UFC heavyweight: I honestly don't care enough to watch. I hope Woodley wins, but if he loses, I guess I wouldn't be shocked seeing how he's lost his last 20 rounds straight.
Arjan Bhullar, ONE heavyweight champion: This is a big one. Woodley has the MMA world on his back for this one. He has the credentials and is a known puncher, unlike Ben Askren. However, I also love Paul, especially because of his comments about fighter pay. I want Paul to win because of how he has changed the game for everyone with his actions. I think he's going to pull it off being the bigger man and considering Woodley only has an overhand right and doesn't punch in combinations.
James Krause, UFC welterweight: I'm really stuck on that one. I'm leaning Woodley, 51-49.
Max Griffin, UFC welterweight: I hate to say this, but I don't believe in Tyron. I haven't seen anything in a few years to give me confidence in this matchup. I hope I'm wrong, for MMA's sake.
Walt Harris, UFC heavyweight: Woodley by knockout.
Andre Fili, UFC featherweight: T-Wood.
Zak Cummings, UFC middleweight: I'd normally say Woodley by knockout, hands down. But not trusting the integrity of boxing and these circus shows, I wouldn't be surprised if Jake somehow wins by TKO.
Tristan Connelly, UFC featherweight: Woodley by knockout.
Jeremy Kennedy, Bellator featherweight: I got Jake by unanimous decision.
KB Bhullar, former UFC middleweight: You know what? I hope that Tyron can get it done, but I won't be terribly surprised if Paul wins.
Juan Adams, former UFC heavyweight: Woodley, third-round knockout.
Peter Barrett, former UFC featherweight: Woodley by knockout.
- Fighters picking Paul: 4
- Fighters picking Woodley: 11
- Fighters undecided: 3