UFC bantamweight champion T.J. Dillashaw is scheduled to face ex-rival Cody Garbrandt in an immediate rematch at UFC 227. Before that, Dillashaw was linked to a super fight with UFC flyweight champion Demetrious Johnson earlier this year. For some reason, the bout fell apart, but Dillashaw is confident about this showdown to happen as soon as possible, probably after the rematch.
Dillashaw has been lobbying for this super fight since last year, even nearly dropped down to 125 pounds to challenge Johnson and try to disrupt his divisional stranglehold.
Speaking with TMZ, the 135-pound champion said, ‘Mighty Mouse’ is ducking him because he needs to man up and take the fight. (via MMAWeekly)
“It was a fight that already made sense. The fans wanted it. I wanted it. The UFC wanted it. It’s all about him manning up and accepting the challenge. He’s got a target on his back. I respect the guy as a fighter. I respect him as a man, but it’s time to man up and get this thing done,”
“I do believe so,” Dillashaw replied when asked if Johnson was ducking him. “I believe that he’s comfortable where he’s at. He’s comfortable fighting the guys he’s fighting. I think I bring a real threat. I bring a real threat to the table that he’s not willing to accept.”
Johnson is on a 14-fight win streak dating back to March 2012, and he broke the record for consecutive UFC title defenses (11) this past October via a fifth-round submission win over Ray Borg at UFC 216. Currently, he is scheduled to defend his flyweight title against Henry Cejudo in a co-main event championship rematch at UFC 227. Meanwhile, Dillashaw vs. Garbrandt is headlining this card.
The UFC 227 pay-per-view (PPV) is set to take place at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California on August 4.
Who’s you pick if a showdown between TJ Dillashaw vs. Demetrious Johnson happen?
