Former bantamweight champion TJ Dillashaw is believed to be in line for a rematch at UFC 200 against another top contender Raphael Assuncao.
Dillashaw is currently ranked as the No.1 contender at 135lbs, but despite losing his title to Dominick Cruz by split decision earlier this year, the 30 year-old was snubbed for an immediate rematch, with his former friend and training partner Urijah Faber getting the nod instead.
Instead, Dillashaw now looks to get back to winning ways and avenge a prior loss to Assuncao, who claimed a split decision win over him back in October of 2013. Dillashaw had gone on a four-fight winning streak after that narrow defeat, and with his game having also evolved considerably during that period, he’ll be hopeful that he can overcome the Brazilian this time out.
Assuncao will have other ideas though, and his goal will be to extend his impressive seven fight winning streak with a second win over the former champion.
The 33 year-old has been out of action for over a year and a half due to injuries though, so he finds himself in a tough match-up to mark his return, but a win over Dillashaw on such a high profile card could be just what he needs to finally put himself firmly into the title picture.
At this stage it’s not clear where Dillashaw Vs Assuncao would feature on the already stacked UFC 200 card, which already leads with three title encounters, including a light-heavyweight title rematch between Daniel Cormier and Jon Jones, woman’s bantamweight champion Miesha Tate’s first title defense against Amanda Nunes, and not forgetting Jose Aldo and Frankie Edgar’s rematch for the interim featherweight strap.
