Former UFC welterweight champion Tyron Woodley is no longer under contract with the UFC.

The 39-year-old Woodley (19-7-1) is in the midst of a four-fight losing streak in the MMA cage, causing UFC president Dana White to longer be in need of his fighting services. 

Woodley has since crossed over into boxing and will fight Jake Paul (3-0, 3 KOs) in a boxing match August 28 on Showtime pay-per-view.

White likes Woodley’s fighting chances better in the ring against the novice 24-year-old boxer Paul. 

“Tyron Woodley has punching power. Obviously, he’s put a lot of dudes to sleep in his career. Tyron Woodley doesn’t look like the Tyron Woodley of the past that was putting everybody to sleep. He hasn’t won a fight in three years. He’s going to be 40 years old. But, I will give it to [Paul]. He’s at least stepping in there with a guy who can punch,” White said on the “Real Quick With Mike Swick” podcast. 

“You tell me when is the last time you saw Woodley look like Woodley, [but] I’d have to go with Woodley by knockout. Listen, man. Woodley should knock him out. But, again, the Tyron Woodley that you talk about, that was the champ, isn’t the same f------ guy he was four years ago.”

Early betting lines favor Paul (-150) to beat Woodley (+130).

The fight will be contested at 190 pounds and with 10-ounce gloves. 

"Easiest fight of my career and biggest purse of my career all in one night," Woodley told ESPN. "Basically, they brought me in to take out the trash. I can't wait to shut this b---- up. This is getting done for the culture, the whole MMA community and boxing community, to rid this guy of combat sports."

In a statement provided to ESPN, Paul pestered White to put a wager on his fight prediction.

"Maybe this time Dana White will actually be a man and put his money on his former champion instead of trying to undermine my success like a jealous ex. Influencer vs MMA: let's get it on. It's showtime,” said Paul.

Manouk Akopyan is a sports journalist, writer and broadcast reporter. He’s also a member of the Boxing Writers Association of America and MMA Journalists Association. He can be reached on Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn and YouTube at @ManoukAkopyan, via email at manouk[dot]akopyan[at]gmail.com or on www.ManoukAkopyan.com