UFC bantamweight champion T.J. Dillashaw has received a lot of attention since winning the title in May. But as the last fighter to defeat Dillashaw, Raphael Assuncao said he is tired of waiting for his rematch.
UFC Flyweight Champion Demetrious Johnson Open to 'Super Fight' Against Bantamweight Champion
Assuncao is currently riding a six-fight win streak, which includes a split decision victory over the champ in November and is the longest streak in the 135-pound division. He is scheduled to face Brian Caraway at UFC Fight Night 54 on Oct. 4.
Assuncao was originally supposed to challenge Renan Barao for the title in May, but a rib injury took him out of contention. Dillashaw took his spot and won the title in dominating fashion and is coming off his first title defense, a fifth-round knockout of Joe Soto at UFC 177 in August. Assuncao said once he gets past Caraway he should be next to face Dillashaw, and if he does he already has the champion figured out.
Johny Hendricks' Coach Thinks He Won't Fight Again Until February or March
"T.J. did (against Soto) exactly what he did against Barao and me. He hasn't changed a bit in his game," Assuncao told MMAFighting.com. "Maybe he has a better cardio now, changed his movement a bit, but it's the same thing in terms of fighting."
Assuncao said it "bothers" him to see someone he beat 10 months ago holding a UFC belt. He says he will have the advantage over Dillashaw if the two were to meet again.
"Deep in there, T.J. knows it will be different when he fights me," he said. "His game won't work against me, and he knows that."
Assuncao went on to say that when he wins in October, he won't accept any other opponent than the champion.
"I will let the UFC know that I won't accept any other fight but a title fight after I beat Caraway," he said. "I'm not interested in any other fight, and I won't fight anyone else."
© Copyright 2024 Sports World News, All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission.