Tyron Woodley’s return to mixed martial arts has brought with it reflections on his recent experiences in the UFC, particularly his stint at the Apex facility. Once accustomed to fighting in packed arenas, Woodley found himself competing in the smaller, more intimate setting of the Apex for his final three UFC bouts.
In a recent interview with Title Sports Network, he didn’t hold back in expressing his disdain for the venue, likening the experience to a sparring session and deeming the atmosphere “wack.” According to Woodley, the smaller cage and lack of motivation contributed to what he perceived as lackluster performances, equating his fights at the Apex to exhibition matches.
Despite the disappointments of his UFC swansong, Woodley remains committed to giving fans a proper farewell to his MMA career. He believes that fans deserve to see him perform at his best and is eyeing a significant matchup, possibly in the Middle East, for his return to the octagon.
Woodley’s sentiments regarding the Apex are echoed by others in the MMA community, including journalist Ariel Helwani, who have voiced their dissatisfaction with the venue. Woodley himself expressed his displeasure on social media, commenting on Helwani’s Instagram post and labeling all fights at the Apex as exhibitions.
Woodley’s performance at the Apex did not live up to his previous championship standards. His UFC career ended on a sour note with four consecutive losses, three of which occurred at the UFC Apex Center in Las Vegas, Nevada.
His last fight against Vicente Luque at UFC 260 ended in a submission loss in the opening round, marking a disappointing conclusion to his time in the promotion. Prior to that, losses to Colby Covington and Gilbert Burns further tarnished his record, highlighting the challenges he faced in adapting to the unique environment of the Apex.
