T.J. Dillashaw: I should be a lot higher in the pound-for-pound rankings

T.J. Dillashaw reclaimed his spot atop the UFC’s bantamweight throne when he knocked out champion Cody Garbrandt at UFC 217 this past November.

The memorable title fight finish not only put a stamp on Dillashaw’s rivalry with “No Love,” but more importantly it sparked yet another title reign for “Killashaw.” But even though Dillashaw just finished an undefeated champion to improve his UFC record to 11-3 (including two split-decision losses), the 31-year-old doesn’t believe he’s receiving the proper praise.

”It’s frustrating because I believe I should be a lot higher [in the pound-for-pound ranking],” Dillashaw said in a recent interview with ESPN. “Couple split-decision losses I felt should have gone my way. That’s the way this sport is. I don’t lose to Cruz [in 2016], I’m up there for best in the world. It’s all meant to be. It’s going to end up leading to a great thing.”

Considering Dillashaw is currently ranked No. 6 on the P4P list, it’s difficult to imagine him moving past the likes of Demetrious Johnson, Conor McGregor, Georges St-Pierre, Max Holloway, or Daniel Cormier. That is unless Dillashaw finally gets his hands on “Mighty Mouse” and disrupts the greatest title run of all time.

”I’m looking to come in and dethrone him from his legacy,” Dillashaw said of Johnson. “He won’t be able to call himself the ‘GOAT’ anymore.”

”It’s so easy for him to continue calling himself that and take the fights he thinks are a little easier,” he added. “He’s a cerebral fighter. He and his coach are smart guys, and they know I bring the greatest threat. I think he knows that’s going to be a tough one for him to win.”

Whether or not Johnson has reservations about granting Dillashaw a shot at his UFC flyweight championship, it’s the most logical move for both fighters in 2018. “Mighty Mouse” doesn’t have many options within a depleted 125-pound division, while there isn’t necessarily a clear-cut No. 1 contender to challenge Dillashaw next.

If Dillashaw is able to lock down a superfight of champions with Johnson and prove that he can drop an extra 10 pounds and dethrone one of the best fighters of all time, he’ll undoubtedly jump up in the pound-for-pound rankings.