When it comes to discussing the all-time greats in mixed martial arts (MMA), the debate can get pretty serious in a hurry.
But when you break down the GOAT talk to just divisions, one would assume the argument gets a bit simpler. But that may not always be the case, as there are some who seem to think records and facts take a back seat to opinion.
I’m looking at you, Chris Weidman.
When it comes to discussing who is the best Bantamweight of all time, Dominick Cruz seems to get the vote as the best 135-pound fighter ever. Cruz won the World Extreme Cagefighting (WEC) strap in 2010 and defended it against Joseph Benavidez before unifying it as the UFC title by defeating Scott Jorgenson at WEC 53.
“The Dominator” went on to defend the title twice against Urijah Faber and then Demetrious Johnson, before a bevy of injuries sent him to the sidelines, ultimately forcing him to vacate the title.
And though the belt has switched hands numerous times since then, current champion T.J. Dillashaw has enjoyed his time as the division king, as well, defeating Renan Barao at UFC 173 to claim the crown, and then defending it two straight times before losing it to the aforementioned Cruz.
But after reclaiming it by knocking out Cody Garbrandt, T.J. is confident in saying he should be considered the best 135-pound fighter of all time if he defeats “No Love” for a second time at UFC 227 on Aug. 4, 2018.
“It puts me at the top, man. Absolutely. I know I’m the best bantamweight ever. The split decision loss to Dominick Cruz changes everything. That fight I thought I won. I feel that changes everything, so, I feel I am the best bantamweight ever,” he said during a recent appearance on The MMA Hour.
When asked if he believes a rematch against Cruz and getting a win over him will undoubtedly cement his status, Dillashaw said it’s not necessary.
“I don’t think so. I think my performances do it, and we still have to see if Cruz can even fight,” he added. “He can’t even get in there anymore. We will see what becomes of that but right now I have to focus on knocking Cody out again in a few weeks.”
Since losing his UFC debut against John Dodson way back in 2011, T.J. has won 11 of 13 fights, all in the 135-pound weight class, so his win-loss record and title defenses certainly prove he is one of the best to ever fight at 135 pounds.
But will a second straight win over Garbrandt be enough to make him the GOAT of the division? Or will the loss to Cruz haunt him forever?