T.J. Dillashaw Wants to Become The UFC’s First Three-Division Champ; How About That?

On January 19th, T.J. Dillashaw will look to become the fourth champ-champ in UFC history. But, the bantamweight king is hoping to take things up another historic notch, by becoming the first champ-champ-champ…

Dillashaw is moving down to 125 to face flyweight champ Henry Cejudo on the aforementioned date, in a bout that will headline the UFC’s latest card in Brooklyn. If Dillashaw wins, not only will he become the fourth fighter to hold two titles at once, he would become only the seventh fighter in UFC history to win titles in two different divisions (the others being Randy Couture, BJ Penn, Conor McGregor, Georges St-Pierre, Daniel Cormier and Amanda Nunes).

Well, recently Dillashaw held a chat with fans via Instagram, and he was reportedly asked about the prospect of going for a third belt. Here’s some of what the champ had to say (quotes via MMA Mania):

“Would I move up to 145 [pounds]? Absolutely, man,” Dillashaw said. “I would love to. I’m a professional. I train hard. Making ’25s has been a process in its own… To get my body down there and do it the right way. ’45s would have to be the same thing, it would be a lot of work.”

“Right now I’m in love with food because I don’t get to eat as much of it. If I went ’45s I’d hate it because I’d be doing nothing but stuffing my face but that’s definitely something I would love to do.”

“Everyone wants me to go to featherweight and fight Max,” said Dillashaw. “I would love to. But look, one step at a time. Let’s run through Cejudo first then Max can be next. [I can] be the first one to ever go for three belts.”

Yes, Dillshaw would be wise to not overlook the man who just defeated one of the best ever in Demetrious Johnson. But, if Dillashaw does beat Cejudo, what are the chances that the UFC would sign off on him moving to 145 to challenge Holloway?

While champ-champs are all the rage these days, for understandable reasons, it’s hard to imagine the UFC being on board with this, if Dillashaw continued to hold two titles. Even if a Dillashaw victory prompts the end of the 125 division, there is a title defense waiting for him at 135.

Marlon Moraes and Raphael Assuncao are fighting on February 2nd, in a bout which is almost certainly a title shot eliminator. If Renato “Moicano” defeats Jose Aldo that same night, he’ll have a strong case for a fight with Holloway, and many believe Frankie Edgar is going to challenge the featherweight champ next.

So, could Dillashaw challenge for the 145 crown at some point? Maybe. But it would be shocking if that happened anytime soon.