For the second time in four months, Jake Paul will square off with Tyron Woodley in the ring. Paul won a split decision victory over Woodley in late August, and he will face the former UFC Welterweight Champion once more after Tommy Fury had to back out of their bout two weeks ago. Woodley is hoping to take it to Paul from the outset in the rematch and leave no doubt that he is a better boxer than the social media personality.
The second meeting between Jake Paul and Tyron Woodley will not be in Paul’s backyard like the first showdown. Paul vs. Woodley II will take place at the Amalie Arena in Tampa, Florida on Saturday, December 18, 2021. These two fighters will headline a Showtime PPV card that will get underway starting at 9 p.m. ET. Deron Williams will also take on Frank Gore in a four-round fight between retired sports stars.
Jake Paul vs. Tyron Woodley II Preview
Although you might hate him and his antics, Jake Paul has to be respected for what we have seen from him in the ring. What was initially labeled a sideshow act has proven to be inaccurate, as Paul has shown some innate boxing skills that we haven’t seen from other celebrities that have gone down this route.
Paul made quick work of his first three opponents after becoming a professional boxer in January 2020. He scored a first-round TKO of AnEsonGib, and he really made a name for himself by flowing Nate Robinson last November. His first-round TKO of Ben Askren was impressive too although Askren was not known as much of a striker during his time in the UFC.
The first fight between Paul and Tyron Woodley was by far Paul’s toughest test to date. Although Woodley gives up a lot in size at 5’9 with a 74-inch reach compared to Paul being 6’1 with a 76-inch reach, he was able to last the full eight rounds. Woodley was able to land one big shot on Paul in the first bout, but Paul landed more punches than his opponent and controlled most of the fight.
A rematch with Woodley is potentially dangerous for Paul. Woodley is one of the greatest champions in UFC history. He won the UFC Welterweight Championship with a first-round knockout of Robbie Lawler in July 2016, and he defended the title for nearly three years before losing the belt to current champion Kamaru Usman. Woodley lost his last four fights in the UFC and moved to boxing after his contract with the promotion ran out.
It’s going to be interesting to see what happens with Woodley in this fight. He wasn’t a stand and trade fighter in the UFC due to his wrestling background, but he showed that he could hold his own against the bigger Paul the first time. Size is going to be an issue though, as this fight will be fought at 192 pounds, and Woodley fought at 170 pounds throughout his career as an MMA fighter.