Ex-champ Rafael dos Anjos targets UFC titleholder Tyron Woodley: 'I'm coming for the gold'

The UFC welterweight title picture is currently lacking a standout and logical next contender for champion Tyron Woodley. Former lightweight titleholder Rafael dos Anjos is aiming to fill the void.

Prior to Woodley’s (18-3-1 MMA, 8-2-1 UFC) successful title defense against Demian Maia at UFC 214 this past weekend, Georges St-Pierre appeared to be next in line. UFC President Dana White then scrapped the potential matchup after expressing disappointment in Woodley’s performance and instead booked “GSP” against middleweight champ Michael Bisping at UFC 217 in November.

Although White named ex-champ Robbie Lawler as someone who could next fight for the belt, Woodley doesn’t appear interested; he beat Lawler less than 13 months ago, after all. That puts someone like dos Anjos (26-9 MMA, 15-7 UFC) in good position if he can get past Neil Magny at UFC 215 next month.

Dos Anjos made Woodley aware of his intentions (via Twitter):

UFC 215 takes place Sept. 9 at Rogers Place in Edmonton. Dos Anjos vs. Magny airs on the pay-per-view main card following prelims on FS1 and UFC Fight Pass, though the bout order hasn’t been finalized.

Woodley, No. 1 in the latest USA TODAY Sports/MMAjunkie MMA welterweight rankings, was quick to reply, and took a shot at outspoken contender Colby Covington in the process (via Twitter):

The back-and-forth didn’t escalate much further, though dos Anjos let Woodley know he hasn’t experienced what he has to offer. Not only is the Brazilian a former champion at 155 pounds, but he’s beaten more former UFC titleholders than Woodley during his career (via Twitter):

For more on UFC 215, check out the UFC Rumors section of the site.

The Blue Corner is MMAjunkie‘s official blog and is edited by Mike Bohn.