It is no secret that TJ Dillashaw is campaigning extremely hard for an immediate rematch versus Dominick Cruz. Dillashaw suffered an close decision loss to Cruz, which could have gone either way in the eyes of the judges.
Now, Dillashaw finds himself on the outside looking in for the next title shot. But he’s campaigning for another chance.
Dillashaw has taken to social media to call out the current champ, stating that Cruz has pillow fists and that all he needs to train in preparation for the next fight is a pillow and running shoes.
I have no issue with this on Dillashaw’s end. If he wants to do some trash talking to set up a hyped rematch with Cruz then more power to him. The more attention we can bring to the bantamweight division the better.
The problem I have with Dillashaw is he’s attacking his former mentor, training partner and good friend Urijah Faber in this bid for a title shot.
I don’t believe Dillashaw owes Faber anything by any means. But to say that Faber doesn’t deserve the shot and that he’s now a dinosaur is absolutely showing a complete lack of respect to his ‘friend’.
Does Dillashaw deserve the shot more than Faber?
You could probably say so. Dillashaw’s bout with Cruz was extremely close and he very well could’ve been given the nod. He also gives a lot more problems to Cruz than Faber.
That’s not even an argument. It’s a fact.
But with the Cruz fight representing one last shot at glory for Faber, who has enjoyed a long a legendary career, Dillashaw, as a friend, former teammate and student, should have enough respect to step aside for one fight.
Dillashaw could probably even wait to face the winner if he chose to.
Faber has looked like he has diminished in the latest performances, but that’s what happens when you’re 36 and have had a career like his.
But the reality is Faber won against top competition. He has a rivalry with Cruz and it sets up a trilogy fight with both men having a win a piece. Faber versus Cruz sells more then Dillashaw versus Cruz. That’s not even a debate.
It’s really a no-brainer situation for the UFC to put on this contest. This fight will gather a lot of attention. Fans, media and fighters have enough respect for Faber to give him this one last opportunity.
I mean he did pave the way for these lighter weight classes.
Dillashaw should know this already. Worst cast scenario for Dillashaw is that he waits for the winner or he’s at most one win away from challenging for the belt again.
This is a completely classless move on Dillashaw’s behalf. If he wants to go after Cruz that’s one thing. But to go after the man who recruited you out of high-school and attempt to tarnish his reputation? This tells you a lot about TJ Dillashaw.
And what do you hear Faber saying about Dillashaw? Nothing.
Faber has stuck to trash-talking Cruz. He has not gone to the media on a daily basis to trash talk Dillashaw.
Faber and Michael Bisping are basically in the same situation. These men have been around long enough, have helped build the UFC and are currently holding winning streaks against top competition.
With a win this Saturday, Bisping most certainly deserves his shot and Faber already deserves his. They may not win these fights but they’re certainly deserving.
Dillashaw should know this or somebody from his management team should tell him, because if he keeps going on like this he will lose a lot of fans in the process.
I like Dillashaw and actually don’t disagree with anything he’s saying. Faber is older, his wins weren’t all that impressive and Dillashaw did have a close fight with the Cruz.
But it’s a respect issue. Urijah Faber is more than deserving to compete against Dominick Cruz next for the bantamweight title.
Dillashaw wasn’t a ‘snake in the grass’ before with his changing of camps. Those situations happen in this game and not anyone can fault TJ for doing what’s best for his career.
But he’s a ‘snake in the grass’ now.
Dillashaw needs a reality check.
Follow this writer on twitter @matthewmyersmma
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