Sean Woodson

Sean Woodson (born June 7, 1992) is an American mixed martial artist who competes in the Featherweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship.

Background
Growing up in North County, Sean Woodson’s dad was the driving inspiration behind his fighting career as his father would watch fights with his son, developing a passion for boxing. His mother had other ideas and took Sean to a trip to the pediatrician at the age of eight, asking the doctor to explain the dangers of boxing. Instead the doctor told her that with headgear, boxing is actually safer than a lot of other sports like football or hockey. Sean's mother then took him to the gym where he fell in love with the sport. As an amateur boxer, he developed a record of 46-3. Following a serious car accident at age sixteen, he ended up living at Matt Hughes’ Hit Squad Gym in Granite City. There, he was introduced to mixed martial arts.

Early career
Making his debut at RFA 44, Woodson faced Kevin Brown Jr. and went on to submit him in the first round. Competing under the banner of Shamrock FC, he would win his next four bouts,defeating Coltin Cole at Shamrock FC 283 via TKO in round one, Rashard Lovelace via unanimous decision at Shamrock FC 290, Seth Basler at Shamrock FC 295 via unanimous decision, and finally Lovelace for the second time via unanimous decision at Shamrock FC 311.

With 5 days notice and having to cut 24 pounds in that time span, Woodson appeared at Dana White's Contender Series 21, where he faced Terrance McKinney and went on to defeat him via TKO in the second round, earning a contract with the UFC.

Ultimate Fighting Championship
Woodson made his promotional debut against Kyle Bochniak on October 18, 2019, at UFC on ESPN: Reyes vs. Weidman. He won the fight via unanimous decision.

Woodson was expected to face Kyle Nelson on June 27, 2020, at UFC on ESPN: Poirier vs. Hooker. Nelson had to pull out off the bout due to visa issues, and therefore was replaced by Julian Erosa He lost the fight via D'arce choke in the third round.

Woodson was scheduled to face Jonathan Pearce on November 28, 2020, at UFC on ESPN: Smith vs. Clark. However, Woodson withdrew a week before the event due to unknown reasons and was replaced by Kai Kamaka III.

Woodson faced Youssef Zalal on June 5, 2021, at UFC Fight Night: Rozenstruik vs. Sakai. He won the bout via split decision.

Woodson faced Collin Anglin on November 13, 2021, at UFC Fight Night 197. He won the bout via TKO in round one.

Woodson faced Luis Saldaña on August 20, 2022, at UFC 278. He fought to a split draw decision.

Woodson was scheduled to face Steve Garcia on August 5, 2023, at UFC Fight Night 225. However, the bout was scrapped after Garcia got injured and Woodson was booked against Jesse Butler. In turn, Butler was removed by the Nevada Athletic Commission during fight week due to a recent knockout loss to Jim Miller in two months earlier. He was replaced by promotional newcomer Mairon Santos. However, due to visa issues, Santos was removed from the bout and replaced with promotional newcomer Dennis Buzukja. Woodson won the bout via unanimous decision.

Woodson faced Charles Jourdain on January 20, 2024, at UFC 297. He won the competitive fight by split decision.

Woodson faced Alex Caceres on May 11, 2024, at UFC on ESPN 56. He won the fight by unanimous decision. 11 out of 14 media outlets scored the fight for Caceres.