Report: Woodley withdraws from rematch vs. Lawler due to injury
Tyron Woodley has withdrawn from his main-event rematch against Robbie Lawler at UFC Minneapolis on June 29 due to a hand injury, sources told ESPN's Brett Okamoto.
Woodley (19-4-1) is coming off a one-sided, unanimous decision loss to Kamaru Usman at UFC 235 in March, which saw him surrender his welterweight title. He's scheduled to see a hand specialist next week, according to Okamoto's sources.
The UFC is now reportedly seeking a replacement for Lawler (28-13). The Hard Knocks 365 standout lost his welterweight title to Woodley via knockout in July 2016 and last saw action at UFC 229, where he was submitted by Ben Askren in a controversial finish. Overall, the 37-year-old Lawler has lost three of his last four fights.
The options for a short-notice opponent are limited. However, No. 9-ranked Santiago Ponzinibbio and No. 11 Leon Edwards both appear to be healthy and aren't currently booked for fights. Lawler is currently 10th in the welterweight rankings.
This isn't the first time the 37-year-old Woodley has injured his hand. The Roufusport product dislocated his right thumb and underwent surgery last year.