T.J. Dillashaw proved his massive upset in 2014 over Renan Barao to capture the UFC bantamweight title was no fluke when he returned to the Octagon after nearly a full year's layoff and once again laid waste to Barao.
His performance was perhaps even more complete than the first demolition, but it still wasn't enough to impress Dominick Cruz, who hasn't fought since September 2014. Cruz called Dillashaw a "wannabe" in a lengthy rant, and said that Barao was overhyped by UFC president Dana White.
"When I go out there, people will see that T.J. Dillashaw is nothing but a wannabe and I look forward to going out there and proving that I am the best in the world," Cruz said.
Acknowledging that he's been out with multiple injuries, Cruz gave some props to Dillashaw for his run of success, but made no bones about gunning for his title when he's back and fighting.
"Dillishaw is out there competing, so kudos to him for staying healthy and keeping the division rolling. But, when I come back, the real fights are going to get started and people are going to see what this division is capable of with me as the champion."
As far as Barao is concerned, Cruz said that he was fighting like Dillashaw years before Dillashaw mattered, and that Barao has failed to evolve with mixed martial arts. Because of that failure to adjust, the losses are no surprise after his impeccable 22-fight win streak that even predated his UFC fights.
"I think that the sport is evolving and guys that aren't choosing to evolve with the sport are getting beaten. I never thought Barao was as good as everybody said he was. But, I couldn't say that because I've been on the sidelines. And Dana White was preaching about him like he was the next Jesus in coming," Cruz said.
"So, you just got to hear what Dana says and let him say what he wants about people to build the 135-pound division. With me gone, let's face it, they needed to build anybody they could in that slot. Barao was the guy that needed to be built because I wasn't there. And when T.J. came up, now he's the guy that needs to get built up because I am not there. That being said, the division has just been trying to strive and build with me gone. Now that I'm coming back, it can get back on its feet again. That's the truth."
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