Most of the MMA world believes that Tyron Woodley will have a relatively easy time against YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul. Gilbert Burns is not among them, at least according to recent comments made by the welterweight contender to TMZ Sports.
Burns recognizes that Woodley has the weight of serious expectation on his shoulders, which may prove to be a problem. Anything other than a resounding, undisputable win won’t be enough for Tyron Woodley, a former UFC champion facing an amateur fighter.
Gilbert Burns “not that confident” in Woodley win over Jake Paul
“I don’t see any easy fight for Tyron Woodley, and I see the pressure’s on Tyron Woodley. He has to win that fight, otherwise, it’s going to be harder to recover from. So a lot of pressure on Tyron Woodley going into this fight.
I don’t have a prediction for this fight… I’m not that confident that Tyron Woodley’s going to pull that one off.”
Gilbert Burns once faced Woodley for a gruelling 5 rounds in the Octagon, so he knows the former welterweight champion’s style better than most. Burns won that fight via unanimous decision, dominating Woodley for the duration of the fight, and it’s likely that experience of a declining Tyron Woodley is coloring his perspective.
Woodley, during his time in the UFC, was best known for his wrestling ability. He was no slouch when it came to striking, with a powerful right hand and a notable knockout win over Robbie Lawler.
He won as many knockouts as decisions during his time in MMA. Woodley is doubtless Jake Paul’s most dangerous opponent yet, but whether that will be enough is the question on Gilbert Burns’ mind.
Burns elaborated, describing the opportunities he sees for Jake Paul in the boxing ring. “I think Jake’s gotta stay calm, put pressure on him, watch out for that right hand, but at the same time, when that overhand right comes, it opens up a lot of things.
I would tell him to get a good counter, watch out, keep the left hand up, work a lot, he’s bigger than Woodley so Woodley’s gotta come forward. Anything can happen in this sport. I’m going to watch this one closely. I like this fight.”
Do you agree with Gilbert Burns? Will Tyron Woodley struggle against Jake Paul, and succumb to the weight of expectations? Is Jake Paul’s brash, nothing-to-lose persona enough to win the mental game, and therefore take him to victory in the boxing ring? Let us know in the comments.
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