‘Sounds Like a Hook-Up to Me’- Dominick Cruz Opines on T.J Dillashaw’s Fast Run Towards the Title Upon UFC Return

Posted on by Matt James

Former UFC bantamweight champion Dominick Cruz is one of the most outspoken fighters on the roster and he’s sure to speak his mind on any matter. In a recent sitdown interview with MMA Fighting’s Ariel Helwani, Cruz talked about T.J Dillashaw returning to a fast-tracked title shot after facing a suspension for EPO.

Dillashaw served his two-year suspension as mandated by USADA and returned to secure a victory against Cory Sandhagen back in July 2021. Dillashaw showcased his varied skillset and also displayed durability to win a split decision over the ‘Sandman’. The win put Dillashaw in the driver’s seat for a title shot that he’s looking to collect on.


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Dominick Cruz lays into T.J Dillashaw

Cruz wasn’t particularly pleased that Dillashaw was being fast-tracked towards a title shot upon his return. While he acknowledged that the fight against Sandhagen wasn’t an easy outing, he also believes T.J Dillashaw needs to put in more work to earn a title shot.

 

“He was suspended for cheating, so to get a shot after one win, OK, cool,” Cruz said Wednesday on the MMA Hour. Sounds like a hook-up to me. He got two years off, didn’t really lose any money and then just gets right back up in [the title picture]. It’s not like he had an easy fight; [Cory] Sandhagen’s no joke. But still, one fight? Pedro Munhoz and all these other people that are in the division that have just been competing, competing, competing, it’s crazy.”

“But I kind of get it, because when I was laid off for so long with my knee injuries, I came back, fought [Takeya] Mizugaki, blew my knee out again, and came back and got a title shot. But I hadn’t lost, and I hadn’t gotten in trouble for anything – I just blew my knees out. So, it’s a little different, and I got my shot that way.” [h/t mmafighting.com]

Dillashaw was one of the most popular fighters in the UFC before he was suspended for taking banned substances. While his image may be tarnished in the eyes of some fans, it’s clear that the UFC still backs him as a top-tier contender who can make an impact.