UFC featherweight Sean Woodson issued his first public remarks since his controversial defeat at UFC 314.
The UFC 314 featherweight undercard bout between Sean Woodson and Dan Ige didn’t disappoint as the two brawlers treated fans to a wild war in Miami. But despite the entertainment value of Woodson vs. Ige, the end of the fight left a bitter taste in many mouths, including Woodson.
Woodson and Ige fought for title contention at UFC 314, looking to make a statement and to draw the attention of Alexander Volkanovski, Yair Rodriguez, and other featherweight winners at UFC 314. The two featherweights went back and forth over the first two rounds as the two brawlers traded big shots early and often.
Round 3 is when the tide began to turn swiftly in Ige’s favor, but not without controversy.
Sean Woodson reacts to controversial loss to Dan Ige at UFC 314
As Ige pressured Woodson midway through Round 3, Woodson attempted a desperate single-leg takedown to pause Ige’s advances. Ige answered with several hammerfists to Woodson, who didn’t defend the strikes but seemed clear-headed in attempting to take down Ige.
Referee Andrew Glenn stepped in to break up the action and handed Ige the TKO victory. Woodson immediately protested the stoppage, and UFC commentators Joe Rogan and Daniel Cormier were audibly perplexed by the decision to wave off the fight.
Hours removed from the controversial defeat, Woodson took to social media and turned the page on the abrupt end to his UFC 314 showcase.
In a recent Instagram post, Woodson addressed his following after UFC 314.
“Thankful for this Life. Thankful for these opportunities. Each one , no matter the result is an opportunity to learn and grow as a human being. This is what I live for,” Woodson said. “Adversities to face. Mountains to climb. I’ve sent many men back home sad to their families. I will not go back sad to mine. Disappointed of course but I am Blessed.
“I’ve changed my life thru this sport. Both Beautiful and Brutal, I still Love it with everything in me. Lost a fight , but I’ve Won at Life. Thank you to all my family , friends , fans and team. Your support is much appreciated. I love you all. I’ll be back better I Promise.”
The controversial loss ended Woodson’s seven-fight unbeaten streak, featuring recent wins over Alex Caceres, Fernando Padilla, and Charles Jourdain. The talented boxer is still considered by many to be the ‘boogeyman’ of the featherweight division.
Dan Ige gets the stoppage on Sean Woodson 👀 #UFC314 pic.twitter.com/5OVretFuwl
— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) April 13, 2025
Dana White expresses concern over lack of UFC competition after GFL’s event cancellations
Woodson’s controversial defeat was one of the few blemishes on an otherwise fireworks-filled night at UFC 314, capped off by Volkanovski’s title redemption in the main event. Despite UFC 314’s success, UFC CEO Dana White expressed honest concerns about the lack of promotional competition amidst one of the UFC’s rivals struggling to hit the ground running.
The Global Fight League, ahead of a highly-anticipated headliner between Tony Ferguson and Dillon Danis, canceled several upcoming events before the launch of its inaugural season. As of this writing, it’s uncertain if the GFL will move forward with future cards.
White’s comments come after the UFC signed several top names away from the PFL, including Aaron Pico and UFC 314 debutant Patricio ‘Pitbull’. Pico is expected to make his UFC debut later this summer against a to-be-determined opponent, after a rumored clash with Movsar Evloev didn’t come to fruition.
The UFC is also in active negotiations regarding its next broadcast rights deal, after the exclusive negotiating window with ESPN came and went. The UFC returns with UFC Kansas City next weekend, featuring a headliner between Ian Machado Garry and Carlos Prates.
