5 UFC Welterweights who could defeat Tyron Woodley

#2 Gunnar Nelson

Gunnar Nelson is one of the most intelligent fighters in the UFC today

Out of all the contenders listed in this article, Gunnar Nelson may perhaps be the least likely on most fans' list of people who could dethrone Tyron Woodley. In fact, most fans would claim that former Interim UFC Welterweight Champion Colby Covington may have a better chance against Woodley, than would Nelson.

Regardless, that general feeling may very well be due to Nelson being one of the quieter personalities in today's MMA landscape where the squeakiest wheel gets the grease! "Gunni" is one of the best 170-pound fighters in the world today, and apart from a couple of decision losses, and the KO loss to Santiago Ponzinibbio (which came after a blatant eye poke from the latter!); Nelson hasn't really faltered in his career.

Lest we forget, Nelson is a BJJ black belt under Renzo Gracie, and is regarded as one of the few legitimate black belts in the BJJ world today, unlike a few others who don't really merit the belt that's been accorded to them.

Nelson's karate striking style is perfect to stifle Tyron Woodley's boxing, akin to how Stephen Thompson did in his couple of fights against Woodley. Furthermore, with Nelson and T-Wood reaching a stalemate on the feet, the latter would end up securing a takedown on the Icelandic phenom.

Once on the ground, although Woodley may be confident about winning rounds and stealing a decision victory, Nelson could potentially trap T-Wood in a flash submission – just like he's done to countless other fighters over the years.