Suspended TJ Dillashaw Talks Henry Cejudo Rivalry
It has been about ten months since TJ Dillashaw got knocked out by Henry Cejudo. However, it appears that he has not gotten past this loss.
Following the loss to Cejudo, at UFC on ESPN+ 1, Dillashaw tested positive for EPO. Subsequently, he received a two year sanction from USADA. Additionally, he wound up losing his Bantamweight belt in the process.
Since then, he had to watch as Cejudo moved up and took that vacant belt. This has resulted in a bit of bitterness, as he explained to Chael Sonnen recently.
“I definitely have some animosity towards myself, towards the sport, just everything. I have some enemies that are definitely going to stay my enemies for the rest of my life. I wouldn’t say it’s because (Cejudo) is a S–t talker, it’s more just the way he carries himself.”
However, he explains that the beef is also about saving face.
“It’s just something that I want back, not so much because he’s bad-mouthed or treated me a certain way. It’s just something that is burning inside of me, to get my belt back, to get that win back, to get back to where I need to be to get this thing behind me.”
TJ Dillashaw then goes on to discuss what will likely be Cejudo’s next bout, against Joesph Benevidaz. Although, Cejudo has not actually agreed to that fight, yet.
“I think it would be very dumb for Cejudo not to fight Joseph Benavidez. That’s his last loss; that’s a fight that he has to make up. I think Joseph Benavidez has a great threat against him, too. That’s the fight that needs to happen, and he can’t be calling himself ‘Triple C’ no more if he’s going to be giving up a belt, so he needs to go down there and get it done and fight Joseph Benavidez”
TJ Dillashaw still has over a year before he is able to return to the UFC. Therefore, there is still time for this beef with Henry Cejudo to die down.
