UFC 249: Henry Cejudo Feels “Dirty Even Talking About” T.J. Dillashaw

T.J. Dillashaw has apparently been told by the UFC brass that he’ll be tapped for a title shot, when he returns from his performance-enhancing-drug suspension. But, it doesn’t sound like the man who currently holds the bantamweight title, Henry Cejudo, is very keen on granting a rematch.

Cejudo says he feels “dirty” talking about Dillashaw

Dillashaw dropped down from 135 pounds to 125 in January, 2019, to challenge Cejudo for the flyweight belt. The decorated wrestler proceeded to take Dillashaw out in less than 60 seconds.

Following the bout, it was revealed Dillashaw had tested positive for the banned substance EPO. As a result, he was suspended for two years and he lost the bantamweight title too.

Well, fast forward to today, and Cejudo now holds the 135 crown, and he’s set to fight Dominick Cruz this Saturday at UFC 249. Since Dillashaw will be eligible to return to the Octagon in January, Cejudo was recently asked about the possibility of fighting the ex-champ again (quotes via MMA Junkie).

“People will never know until you’re cheated on,” Cejudo told reporters during Thursday’s UFC 249 virtual media day. “It’s an honor to fight somebody in the octagon.

I almost feel embarrassed. I feel dirty even talking about T.J. I don’t think there’s anything in my heart that I even want to fight that dude.

When you shake hands with somebody and you guys go out to compete and next thing you know he’s on some (expletive) like EPO where you can’t get tired, the same thing that Lance Armstrong was on, I don’t think I ever want to fight that dude again. I truly mean that.

“He’s got to get his mind right, he’s got to be fair. He’s got to go through the line, who knows how long he’s been doing this for.

It’s unfortunate, but that’s just my honest to God – that’s just what I feel deep inside my ‘Triple C,’ what ‘Triple C’ feels deep inside. I don’t even know if I could stand next to him and do a staredown.

It’s false. I feel weird saying all those bad things, but you’re asking me and I’m going to tell you how I feel.”

Would Cejudo change his mind?

Now, if Cejudo is still holding the bantamweight title next January, and the UFC asks him to fight Dillashaw, could he change his mind? Maybe. Especially if the UFC sweetens the pot financially.

It will be interesting to see, however, if the UFC goes that route. When Dillashaw claimed he’s been told a title shot will be waiting, there was a fair amount of backlash online. 

That said, ‘backlash’ leads to publicity, and publicity is good for pay-per-view sales. If Cejudo does defend the belt one or two more times before next spring, then there could be a fair amount of buzz for Cejudo – Dillashaw 2.