At UFC 227 in Los Angeles earlier this month, TJ Dillashaw successfully defended his bantamweight title with a first-round knockout of rival Cody Garbrandt. In the co-main event that same night, Olympic gold medalist Henry Cejudo shocked the world by knocking off longtime UFC flyweight king Demetrious Johnson to claim the title. After Cejudo’s monumental win, he called out the bantamweight champion for a potential champion vs. champion bout.
Dillashaw said he would be willing to welcome Cejudo to 135-pounds and even appears willing to attempt the cut down to 125-pounds, but could the fight actually happen?
While many have suggested Dillashaw face former bantamweight champion Dominick Cruz and Cejudo gives Johnson an immediate rematch, there’s no shortage of early promotion for a potential showdown between the two titleholders.
This week, both men appeared on the set of ExtraTV with host and UFC fan Mario Lopez.
Dillashaw and Cejudo, both carrying their belts, eventually stood out of their chairs as they were jawing back and forth for the first faceoff of the potential superfight. You can check out video of their face-to-face exchange below.
It's on, @UFC fans! @tjdillashaw & @henrycejudo are ready! #UFC @MarioLopezExtra pic.twitter.com/dVLfVyPh5V
— ExtraTV (@extratv) August 13, 2018
Ultimately, the UFC is a money-making business. If they believe that Dillashaw vs. Cejudo would produce the biggest gate, the company would waste no time booking the matchup and striking while the iron is hot.
However, if they choose to have the two champions defend their bouts before a potential superfight, there is no shortage of options. At bantamweight, both Dominick Cruz and Raphael Assuncao hold previous wins over Dillashaw. They certainly have a case for a title shot. Demetrious Johnson, meanwhile, lost a razor-close decision and holds the UFC record for most consecutive title defenses. If anyone is deserving of an immediate rematch, “Mighty Mouse” is the guy.
