Michael Bisping Thinks T.J. Dillashaw Vacating The Title is “Almost” Like Pleading Guilty

When T.J. Dillashaw recently vacated the UFC’s 135 title, after being flagged for a prohibited substance, he said he was doing so out of “respect” for the division. But Michael Bisping has a different take on the situation.

Dillashaw announced he was dropping the belt last week. Not long after, it was confirmed by the New York Commission that the renowned fighter has been suspended for a year for a violation with a prohibited substance. The flag was in connection to Dillashaw’s quick, stoppage loss to Henry Cejudo in January, which went down in Brooklyn.

Well, on the latest episode of “Believe You Me“, Bisping had this to say about Dillashaw vacating the belt (quote via MMA Fighting):

“I don’t break the circle of trust,” Bisping said. “I don’t speak outside of school. I don’t tell tales outside of f*cking tale-telling time but I’m telling you this, circle of trust or not, no motherf*cker relinquishes their belt out of respect for the rest of the division. It ain’t about the rest of the division, it’s about me. I’m not gonna relinquish my belt once I destroy the competition and become the champion. I’m not gonna relinquish my belt out of respect for the competition. You just wouldn’t do that. So that in itself – and I apologize if I’m wrong – is almost an admittance of guilt. It really is.

“You would not relinquish your belt unless there was some kind of guilt and you know you’re in a no-win situation.”

That’s a view that Dillashaw’s camp and or supporters likely don’t agree with, but, Bisping’s probably not the only person who feels this way. It remains to be seen if USADA, who do not announce violations until the case has been resolved, disciplines Dillashaw as well.

More recently it was announced that Cejudo will face Marlon Moraes on June 8th for the vacant, 135 title.