Tyron Woodley Opens as the Betting Underdog Against Vicente Luque

Tyron Woodley is known as the Chosen One but in his upcoming fight against Vicente Luque, the oddsmakers aren’t choosing him.

Woodley will try to earn a much-needed win against Luque at UFC 260 on March 27th and according to online sportsbook BetOnline, the former UFC welterweight champion will have to do it as a +220 betting underdog. The 9th ranked Luque meanwhile, will face Woodley as a -260 odds on favorite.

Thinking Retirement?

Following Woodley’s September 2020 loss to bitter rival Colby Covington, UFC President Dana White said that Woodley needs to think retirement. The defeat was the third straight for Woodley and he has not won a bout since his 4th successful title defense against Darren Till at UFC 228 in September 2018.

Woodley lost the title to Kamaru Usman at UFC 235 in 2019. He came back in May of last year, only to be dominated by Gilbert Burns. The Chosen One tried to end 2020 with a high note but instead, he suffered only the second knockout loss of his career when he quit against Covington with a broken rib.

The former NCAA Division I All-American from the University of Missouri was once one of the most dominant welterweights in the promotion. Woodley defeated Robbie Lawler to win the belt in 2016. He drew with Stephen Thompson in his first title defense and then beat Wonderboy in a narrow decision during their rematch. Woodley then decisioned Demian Maia before submitting Till to stay as champion at the end of 2018. But It has been downhill ever since.

There’s no question that Tyron Woodley is one of the biggest names in the UFC and one of its best champions. However, with three straight losses, Woodley may need a win here to keep his spot on the UFC roster. It has been a terrific run for the Chosen One but he doesn’t want to go out like this.

One of the Best Finishers in the UFC

Vicente Luque is one of the best finishers in the UFC today. Luque’s 92% stoppage rate is the best in the promotion among fighters with fighters under 30 years of age with 10+ Octagon appearances. In 12 UFC bouts, Luque has recorded 11 finishes with only Mike Perry going the distance with him inside Octagon.

The 29-year old from Westwood, New Jersey was one of the contestants at TUF 21: American Top Team vs Blackzilians where he lost to Hayder Hasan in the semifinals. Luque was defeated by Michael Graves in his UFC debut but since then, only Leon Edwards and Stephen Thompson have been able to beat him inside the UFC cage.

Luque has barged into the Top 10 after back to back knockout wins over Nico Price and Randy Brown. The Silent Assassin has earned a total of six post-fight bonuses including four in his last six bouts.

While he has lost the two biggest bouts of his UFC career against Edwards and Thompson, Luque looks ready to take it to the next level and Woodley could be a gauge of that. A win over Woodley will establish Luque as one of the elites at 170 pounds. He isn’t expected to earn a title shot with a win here but beating Woodley definitely moves him one win closer to that opportunity.