Former Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Bantamweight title-holder TJ Dillashaw was pissed when he learned that he wouldn’t be getting a rematch against Dominick Cruz at UFC 207, getting passed over in favor of Cody Garbrandt. In fact, it was that very decision made by UFC matchmakers and company president Dana White that ultimately compelled Dillashaw to join Mixed Martial Arts Athletes Association (MMAAA).
That said, he doesn’t blame his former Team Alpha Male (TAM) stablemate, Garbrandt, from accepting the title fight, which is set to go down on this Friday night (Dec. 30, 2016) inside T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.
"I don’t blame Cody for getting his title fight at all," Dillashaw stated during a recent appearance on "The MMA Hour" (via MMA Fighting.) "Anyone in the UFC, that should be your goal, to get the UFC belt and to fight for that title. He should push for that as much as he wants."
The blame, according to Dillashaw, fully goes to the promotion and Cruz for letting a No. 8-ranked fighter vie for the title, making a "mockery of the sport" in the process.
"I blame Dominick Cruz and I blame the UFC for letting this happen," he said. "It’s kinda, I feel, making a mockery of the sport by letting a No. 8-ranked fighter for the title. Why’d he jump seven guys to be able to fight for the belt? It just doesn’t make sense at all."
Nevertheless, the fight will go on and, as Dillashaw sees it, there’s no way a "one-dimensional" fighter like "No Love" can dethrone the long-time champ.
"I think Dominick wins that fight with how smart he’ll fight him," Dillashaw said. "I think Cody is one-dimensional. He’s a great fighter, he’s fast, he’s powerful. He’s good, don’t get me wrong. Anyone’s got a chance. Anybody can obviously win. But, if I had to put money on it, I would bet on Cruz. He’s going to fight him too smart, he’s a veteran, he knows what to do. I think the way Cruz fights is Cody’s biggest weakness. I just don’t think he’s ready yet."
Garbrandt obviously disagrees.
Dillashaw won’t be sitting idle, though, as he is set to face John Lineker also at UFC 207 in what most believed was a No. 1 contender eliminator match. But, cold water was poured on that flame before in turned into a full blown fire ... more-so if this happens.
For more on the upcoming UFC 207 pay-per-view (PPV) event click here.