TJ Dillashaw Looking To Fight Dominick Cruz Upon His Return

No. 5-ranked UFC Bantamweight contender TJ Dillashaw recently got back into the win column with a lopsided decision victory over Mike Easton at January’s UFC Fight Night 35.

Dillashaw needed the win after losing a hotly contested decision to No. 3-ranked Raphael Assuncao in his previous bout, ending his four-fight win streak and casting doubt about his readiness to take on the elite fighters of the relatively shallow UFC Bantamweight division.

While his win over Easton may not have cemented him as a title contender just yet, Dillashaw has a fight in mind that may do just that. Speaking to MMAJunkie.com, Dillashaw called out for a bout against former UFC Bantamweight champ Dominick Cruz, who recently vacated his belt after an unfortunate groin tear:

“I think ‘The Dominator’ needs to come back. That would always be a good fight. [Since I] started fighting, he’s the champion in my book. It’d be cool to fight him as well, and then I’d get my shot at two champions.”

The other champion he is referring to may be dominant 135-pound king Renan Barao, who was last seen finishing Urijah Faber in the main event of UFC 169. Dillashaw will likely have to get past an opponent of Cruz’s caliber if he wants to lock up a coveted title shot.

But, it’s tough to truly gauge where Cruz is at in his recovery. He could be out of action for an extended amount of time, and a maddening struggle with multiple ACL surgeries had already kept him on the sidelines since late 2011. Cruz has had some of the worst luck with injuries ever seen in the UFC; it’s unknown if and when he’ll be able to issue a challenge to an elite fighter like Dillashaw.

When he does decide to come back, “The Viper” will be waiting. Dillashaw’s striking has progressed to an unheard-of level under the tutelage of head coach Duane “bang” Ludwig, and Team Alpha Male leader Faber recently praised Dillashaw as the next champion at 135 pounds.

Will a date with “The Dominator” be the next rung on Dillashaw’s ladder to the top?

Photo: Joshua S. Kelly for USA TODAY Sports