H. Cejudo (left) and T. Dillashaw (right) faced each other in 2019. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram @ufc
Authorized to return to the octagon after serving a two-year suspension for doping, TJ Dillashaw He has many plans for his return. In addition to the dream of regaining his old bantamweight belt (up to 61,2kg), the North American has a personal goal within the sport. In an interview with 'Real Quick with Mike Swick', the former UFC champion spoke about his desire to 'settle accounts' with Henry Cejudo.
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“I didn't think about a list (of opponents), but he (Cejudo) is on it. (…) The 'Grumpy King' did a good job. It's one of those fights where I felt a lot better going into the fight. I don’t take away his merits”, said TJ, when analyzing the confrontation against Henry, in 2019, when he lost by knockout in the flyweight (under 56,7kg) belt fight.
Victim of Cejudo's talent for more than three years, Dillashaw, however, analyzed his rival's career. Even though he did not hide his competitor's superiority when they faced each other in 2019, the former bantamweight champion (up to 61,2kg) questioned the greatness of the 'Triple C' within MMA.
“For having won an Olympic gold medal, I think he is an incredible athlete. I give him more credit for being an Olympic gold medalist than I do for winning a UFC belt. That's because I've been wrestling my whole life and it's incredible. However, I’m much more of a fighter than him,” he said.
TJ then explained his opinion about Henry's trajectory within MMA. Despite not disagreeing with his rival's qualities, the American suggested that the circumstances helped in the success of 'Triple C'.
“The way his career turned out and the way he walked away was very lucky. It's a fight I want, because I don't think he's as good as he thinks he is. He's on my list. So on my list is 'get the belt back'. It doesn't matter which way to get there. If I have to fight everyone in the top 5 first, or will it be straight for the title. Then I defend and prove my argument,” he concluded.
While Dillashaw hasn't performed since 2019, Cejudo completes one year of retirement in May. The Olympic champion and former double Ultimate champion hung up his gloves after defending his bantamweight title against Dominick Cruz.
At times, however, Henry has signaled a return to the Octagon. Recently, the North American has been exchanging barbs with Deiveson Figueiredo and doesn't rule out a super fight with the Pará native.
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