Why did Khabib call out GSP instead of Tyron Woodley?

[AyDeeDee]

GSP hasn't fought in WW in years so he would obviously struggle to make LW and he's obviously past his prime so why go for GSP if you're looking for a legacy defining super fight instead what better way than challenging the current reigning and defending welterweight champion of the world who would happily accept the challenge at 170? We all know if Khabib beat GSP, people would bring up the fact that GSP is much older and fought in a lower weight class that he wasn't used to, so from a legacy fight it's not as substantial as people think, but going up to fight Tyron Woodley that would be no question the best achievement from a legacy perspective for a LW champion EVER so why doesn't he go for it? The UFC would obviously make the fight in a heart beat if Khabib showed interest.

He obviously is keen to move up in weight to make a super fight since he was offering the fight to GSP at catch-weight, he has obviously fought in WW before (in his early career) and has missed weight twice at LW (one time to the point of hospitalization) you would think he would be more keen to take the challenge, no?

Even Conor who is way smaller and more outskilled and outmatched against Tyron has showed more enthusiasm in fighting Tyron Woodley - that shows he is up to take the biggest challengers that cement legacies.

Food for thought...

 

[JP557CU]

I think Woodley has much better wrestling, speed, athleticism and would destroy khabib! I think khabib knows this and you’re right, he didn’t call out Woodley for many reason

 

[Bob Sapp]

GSPs a legend a big draw. Do you even brain ?
I dont blame Khabib for not caling out Woodley. Why doesnt Conor fight Woodley? Wasnt he talking shit backstage to Woodley?


Edit: Khabib has everythin to gain fom beating GSP. It will add to his legacy. So beating GSP is not just a "Money fight".

 

[Klaavical]

GSP is the Benji fight

 

[Francis_Ngannou]

A better question is why did GSP want Khabib and not Woodley considering they are in the same weight class?

Khabib wanted GSP in at 155 or 160.

Woodley would have to cut off his legs to make it.

Anyway, it's the same with all fighters. They want to fight names that will build their own brands and make them money. Not relatively unknown beasts in higher weight classes for less pay.

 

[2EZ]

Because woodly would beat his ass is why. Not hard to grasp really, the size advantage woodly has over khabib is crazy. Ever see khabib next to current 170 fighters, u will understand why he isnt fighting at 170 and rightfully so

 

[AyDeeDee]

GSPs a legend a big draw. Do you even brain ?

big draw? Why would that matter to Khabib? He is all about legacy not money. The Tyron Woodley fight is a better legacy fight.

Also GSP is past his prime and has no belt, Tyron has a belt and is the legit reigning and defending WW champion in the eyes of the world. Khabib is also a star now. So the fight would draw regardless, maybe the GSP fight does 100 or 200k more buys but it's a better legacy defining fight.

 

[E Undead]

Because he wants to earn some money.
Against a dude people actually care about

 

[MAGNAT]

Money!

 

[Fesaine]

Why didn't khabib call out whittaker?

 

[AyDeeDee]

Because woodly would beat his ass is why. Not hard to grasp really, the size advantage woodly has over khabib is crazy. Ever see khabib next to current 170 fighters, u will understand why he isbt fighting at 170 and rightfully so

Oh for sure, B! Tyron Woodley is a giant. Just a huge monster! Khabib who has missed weight twice at LW and is purported to walk at 190-200 lbs surely could never fight him because he's too damn big for him.

 

[AyDeeDee]

Money!

Khabib has stated multiple times that he only cares about legacy - not money. Are you calling him a liar and a fraud?

 

[Francis_Ngannou]

Oh for sure, B! Tyron Woodley is a giant. Just a huge monster! Khabib who has missed weight twice at LW and is purported to walk at 190-200 lbs surely could never fight him because he's too damn big for him.

Could Woodley cut to 155?

 

[Francis_Ngannou]

You calling Kebab a liar, bro? He has stated multiple times that he only cares about legacy, not money.

Beating GSP would mean much for his legacy and bank account than beating Tyron, even though Tyron is the tougher fight.

 

[mooseman17]

Woodley isnt cutting to 155 or 160. Also it's all about the money fight.

 

[AyDeeDee]

Could Woodley cut to 155?

Why should Woodley cut? Why doesn't Khabib move up to fight him?

 

[usadaguy]

1. Woodley is more dangerous fight for Khabib than GSP because of his speed and punching power.
2. GSP is a money fight, Tyron is not.

 

[AyDeeDee]

Beating GSP would mean much for his legacy and bank account than beating Tyron, even though Tyron is the tougher fight.

A better question is why did GSP want to fight Khabib and not Woodley?

Not it wouldn't. Beating an out of his prime 36 year old GSP is not a better legacy fight than beating the current defending reigning WW champion of the world and becoming a two weight world champion. GSP has no zero belts. It's a bigger money fight but not a better legacy fight.

 

[Francis_Ngannou]

Not it wouldn't. Beating an out of his prime 36 year old GSP is not a better legacy fight than beating the current defending reigning WW champion of the world and becoming a two weight world champion. GSP has no zero belts. It's a bigger money fight but not a better legacy fight.

No it would still be seen as bigger legacy fight because GSP is the goat.

I agree that Tyron is the tougher challenge but that's how 90% of the world would see it.

 

[AyDeeDee]

1. Woodley is more dangerous fight for Khabib than GSP because of his speed and punching power.
2. GSP is a money fight, Tyron is not.

Khabib doesn't care about money, only legacy, remember?

Spoiler