Former bantamweight champion Dominick Cruz criticizes TJ Dillashaw's possible title fight

TJ Dillashaw and D. Cruz faced each other in 2016, winning the bantamweight belt (Photo: Disclosure/UFC)

Former UFC bantamweight champion (up to 61,2kg), Dominick Cruz did not hide his irritation with the possibility of TJ Dillashaw be the next challenger in the category. In an interview with 'MMA Fighting', the 'Dominador' recalled that his rival had previously had problems with doping and emphasized that just a victory over Cory Sandhagen it shouldn't be enough to guarantee him a new opportunity to fight for the belt.

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“Dillashaw was suspended for cheating, so to get a shot after a win, okay, cool. He was away for two years and then returned to the title race. It's not like he has an easy fight, Sandhagen is no joke. But a fight? What about the others who are in the division competing? It's crazy. But I kind of understood, because when I was out for so long, with my knee injuries, I came back, fought Mizugaki, blew out my knee again, came back and got a title shot. But I didn't lose and I didn't have any problems, I just hurt my knees. It's a little different and I got my chance that way. This is showing me that what is dominant in each division is ticket sales and the storyline,” Cruz said.

The former champion emphasized that the fact that TJ had already been caught doping made fans dislike him and stated that hitting Cory Sandhagen it is not a 'respectful credential' for a challenging future.

“The Dillashaw storyline, the fact that he cheated, just makes people not like him anymore, which will make people tune in. I think the storyline is more important to the UFC than anything else to sell tickets than those who deserve it. I've said it a million times, that nobody deserves anything in this sport. You receive everything you achieve. He fought Sandhagen and achieved this. But that's basically my view. I think there are a lot of good fights you can have. To do this? There are many other fights you can do to give him this opportunity besides him. But, obviously, the plot sells and the UFC goes with it”, concluded the 'Dominador'.

Also a former champion of the category, TJ was away from the Octagon for around two years due to a doping suspension. On his return to MMA, the North American beat his compatriot Cory Sandhagen in the judges' split decision. Dillashaw has a record in the sport of 17 triumphs and four setbacks.