White says Thompson to get next title fight with Woodley, expects McGregor back at 145 lbs. after UFC 202

By Jamie Penick, MMATorch Editor-in-Chief

UFC President Dana White has thrown some cold water on Tyron Woodley’s hopes for a major money fight, telling UFC.com on Friday that Stephen “Wonderboy” Thompson is getting that next shot.

White’s comments came in discussing what’s next for Conor McGregor after next weekend’s rematch with Nate Diaz, as he addressed Diaz’s brother Nick’s return as well.

“I fully expect Conor to come back and defend his 145-pound title,” White said. “I think that Nate feels his brother should have the fight at 170, but Nick is not going to come back and fight for the title right away.

“There are other guys deserving of a title shot. Stephen ‘Wonderboy’ Thompson is going to fight for the 170-pound title and then we’ll see what happens with Nick and Nate.”

That goes against the wishes of the welterweight division’s new champion, who called for a fight with Diaz or Georges St-Pierre. While St-Pierre expressed interest in that fight as well, putting himself back voluntarily in the USADA pool keeps him out of action until December at the earliest.

Penick’s Analysis: Woodley-Thompson’s the right fight to make for that title, especially with St-Pierre likely not getting cleared for New York in time. With his desire not to get any special treatment, he’ll be in the USADA pool for four months of testing before he gets a fight booked, which means he’s likely not going to return until the New Year’s Eve card at the earliest. With that in mind, Woodley-Thompson’s the fight to make by October or November, and the UFC will have to try to convince Woodley that’s the route to go.

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