Tyron Woodley (photo via UFC)

By FCF Staff

Tyron Woodley appeared to be just a strike or two away from finishing Stephen Thompson in round five last night, and the welterweight champ concedes he should have been more aggressive earlier.

The headliner for UFC 209 featured very few, memorable moments, as both welterweights were reluctant to open up. In the final round, Woodley cracked Thompson with heavy punches, but he was unable to put away the vaunted striker.

After the bout, which saw Woodley retain the 170 title via a majority decision, the powerful wrestler told FOX Sports 1 this (quote via press release):

“This wasn’t part of the game plan,” said Woodley, while commenting on his reluctance to attack. “We were going to do more takedowns. But I was told the front leg in a karate stance is the fast leg, it’s tough. He was moving that so quickly. You have to do what you have to do to get it done.”

“I’ve never been doubtful of my abilities. I was weighing risk versus reward. In the fifth round, that shouldn’t have been the only time I exploded like that. I should have done that each round. I’m still a young champion. This was a learning performance. I’ll go back and get better.”

Thompson and Woodley fought to a majority draw in their first bout, which took place at UFC 205 in November.