Tyron Woodley has praised Jake Paul for the "phenomenal" punch he landed to brutally KO him in the pair's rematch in December.
The former UFC champion was eyeing revenge in the second meeting between the pair after losing on a split decision earlier in the year.
After a dull start to the affair, the rematch came alive with Paul landing a devastating punch that sent his opponent crashing to the canvas to end the contest.
Woodley has now admitted he did not see himself being knocked out by a YouTube fighter but believes the punch came at the perfect time in the fight for his rival.
"I got an opportunity to take the fight against Jake and I was training, I felt good," Woodley told MMA Hour. "Like I told you guys man, I was going to look in better shape than him cardio-wise and I knew that and I was pressing them.
"And just thinking it back to the fight you know the only real regret I get is just dropping my hand at one time their head like literally like, I was watching a video over and over again like.
"When I watch a fight especially a clip like that I kind of separate myself from the clip. I didn't really see like me getting knocked out by a YouTube kid. I saw a f******* phenomenal punch landing at the perfect time.
"When I was looking for reasons as to why I dropped my left hand it is hard to explain from here but my right hand I drop when I carry body punches some time. I never drop my left hand in training or on the bags and I looked at the video but something made me do this and I don't know what the f*** it was.
"I stepped up when no-one was really available and I won every round even that round up until that one moment. I won't let me dropping my hand completely take away everything that happened."
Woodley first met Paul back in August where he was ousted by split decision despite knocking his opponent on to the ropes.
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However after brutal dismissal in the second fight it now appears the rivalry is over between the pair who have since continued to talk "business".
The former UFC champion is likely to remain in the boxing ring for his next outing but could even eye a return to MMA if a suitable option presents itself.
Meanwhile Paul is currently taking a break from action but is expected to return to the ring later this year with the number of challenges on offer growing.
Paul was reported to have agreed a deal to face legendary heavyweight Mike Tyson this week but it was quickly dismissed by the former champion who had no knowledge of talks.
With crossover bouts continuing to bear fruit for Paul, he has also looked into the option of challenging Jorge Masvidal or Conor McGregor despite both currently being focused on ventures in the UFC.
