UFC bantamweight champion TJ Dillashaw has claimed that the promotion have booked him a fight with flyweight titleholder Henry Cejudo at UFC 233 on January 26th so that he can kill off the 125lb division entirely.
It’s been heavily rumored since the UFC traded former long-time UFC flyweight champion Demetrious Johnson for ONE FC welterweight star Ben Askren that they are planning to scrap the weight class, so it was something of a surprise when it was announced that Dillashaw was dropping down to challenge for the title.
However, Dillashaw seems to think that this will be the last time the flyweight title will be up for grabs, and he has every intention of being it’s final champion.
“The UFC wants to get rid of the division and they hired me to go down and close it and get another belt in the process,” Dillashaw said on Ariel Helwani’s MMA Show on ESPN. “It’s a win-win for me.
“They’re paying me a f—k load of money to move down and kill the 125-pound division and collect a second belt. So, it’s game time.”
It’s possible Dillashaw could have used his clout to force Cejudo to come up and challenge him at 135lbs instead, but he seems more than happy to step down in weight to prove that he’s the best around.
“It’s gonna be better this way, anyway, because there’s no excuse,” Dillashaw said. “No excuses that I’m the bigger man, that I’m bigger when I’m fighting him. Because I’m gonna come down and make the weight.
“I believe we’re on the same weight, anyways, I’m a small 135’er. I’ve got no problem making 125. It’s gonna be a little more work, I’m gonna be a little more dedicated and be in better shape.
“I’m excited for the opportunity. Like I said, it’s a win-win for me. I’ll continue to grow my legacy, get another belt, and be the last flyweight champion ever.”
