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Dominick Cruz has been looking for a money fight, and T.J. Dillashaw is trying to give it to him.
In January, Dillashaw lost his UFC bantamweight title to Cruz in a very close split decision at UFC Fight Night 81. Though he campaigned for an immediate rematch, he was instead passed over for his old teammate and mentor Urijah Faber, who Cruz beat soundly at UFC 199.
In the meantime, Dillashaw bounced back by avenging a loss to third ranked Raphael Assuncao in what many assumed would be a number one contender bout. But after the win, Cruz was vocal in not wanting a Dillashaw rematch in favor of money fights with Jose Aldo, Demetrious Johnson, or Conor McGregor. On top of that, Dillashaw's former training partner Cody Garbrandt has been stirring up interest in his own title shot.
With rumors circulating about a Cruz-Garbrandt title fight for UFC 207 in December, and Dillashaw's continued public protestations against being "robbed" of a title fight by passing him over falling on deaf ears, Dillashaw took to social media. He was trying for one last shot at securing a rematch, offering Cruz all of his "show money" should he lose.
It's interesting to note that Dillashaw is (possibly) offering more than his actual show money here as he only received $25,000 to show for his last fight at UFC 200 (plus a $25,000 win bonus and unknown added compensation). Even as champion Dillashaw only made $70,000 to show for his title defense against Cruz. And while $100,000 is no small sum, there is a good chance it's not what Cruz meant by "money fights," as Cruz made over three times that for his most recent title defense.
But though the message was for Cruz, instead a very interested third party took notice. Cody Garbrandt responded to Dillashaw's message on Twitter and implied Dillashaw used performance-enhancing drugs during his title reign.
What are we out here campaigning for title shots now I'll smack ya both around Tj you aren't the same with @usantidoping in the game! https://t.co/jmhzQGTIGk
— Cody Garbrandt (@Cody_Nolove) September 24, 2016
Garbrandt's teammate and mentor Urijah Faber, who began the campaign for a Garbrandt title shot immediately after his own loss to Cruz, also implied Dillashaw used PEDs. Faber's claims only came after Dillashaw left Team Alpha Male and Dillashaw, who has never failed a USADA test, says it is just Faber being "childish."
For the time being, Dillashaw's call out doesn't seem to have registered with Cruz, who just finished his first run as a commentator alongside Jon Anik at UFC Fight Night 95 this past weekend. Perhaps when he is back from Brazil, he'll answer back.
MUST-READ STORIES
Fight Night 95. UFC Fight Night 95 happened last weekend. Here are the results.
Rizin. Rizin FF 2 happened last weekend. Here are the results.
Featherweight. Cris Cyborg is open to more 140 lb. fights but only against top ten bantamweights.
No regrets. Michael Johnson doesn't regret his post fight celebration at UFC Fight Night 94.
Oops. Barb Honchak found out she was stripped of her Invicta title over Twitter.
MEDIA STEW
Here is one of if not the single most iconic highlights in MMA history.
Fights from Friday.
TTTHS.
Bisping on Canelo.
For those of you who watched Rizin this weekend, here is an old vid of Krazy Horse explaining his training and how that helps him knock people out.
LISTEN UP
Bushido Talk
Three Amigos.
Parting Shot.
TWEETS
Konichi wa!
this is just holy_shit.mp4 in my hard drive pic.twitter.com/v8oPzlimFn
— Jessica Hudnall (@LegKickTKO) September 25, 2016
If you build it, they will come.
Women's MMA is growing in leaps and bounds and it would be amazing if there were more weight classes.
— Joe Rogan (@joerogan) September 25, 2016
I think that if the @UFC opened up more WMMA divisions the level of talent in each division would grow like it has in new men's divisions.
— Joe Rogan (@joerogan) September 25, 2016
Ragin Al was active on Twitter over the weekend. Worth checking the whole thing out.
Renan barao vs cyborg
— Al Iaquinta (@ALIAQUINTA) September 25, 2016
25% joke 75% curious
— Al Iaquinta (@ALIAQUINTA) September 25, 2016
Jeremy Stephens is not pleased.
That was a joke or an error?! https://t.co/k07k1NM5A7
— Jeremy Stephens (@LiLHeathenMMA) September 25, 2016
You should stop doing that. Make them let you fight at 145.
Remember when Ronda said the champ doesn't go to anyone? Tonight I am going to 140 #forthefans #ufcbrasiliahttps://t.co/o0mKEjl9K0
— #ufcbrasilia (@criscyborg) September 24, 2016
This is likely your next bantamweight challenger.
— Cody Garbrandt (@Cody_Nolove) September 24, 2016
In UFC everybody saying that they could fight anyone. But when it's about fighting me, nobody wants to fight me. Hey top 10 UFC I am here!
— Mairbek Taisumov (@Taisumov155) September 24, 2016
A useful infographic.
Here’s the Association of Ringside Physicians laceration guide. Don’t think Jinh Yu Frey’s cut is a fight ender.#InvictaFC19 pic.twitter.com/9r2XIcbVrM
— Marc Raimondi (@marc_raimondi) September 24, 2016
Crazy indeed.
Craziness!! @arielhelwani pic.twitter.com/kLwXax8yTd
— Ryan Benoit (@BabyfaceBenoit) September 23, 2016
Why is PVZ screaming? Clearly she's not being disemboweled.
I'm Back with THE MOST INSANE #MAGIC TV SPECIAL EVER! #TrickdUP Premieres Wednesday, October 12, 9pm @aetv RT pic.twitter.com/aXWncgzQZi
— Criss Angel (@CrissAngel) September 23, 2016
My hero.
Just spoke to @TeamKhabib & he's focused on fight w @Ealvarezfight But said if @DanHendo gets hurt offered to fight @Bisping for 185 belt
— Kevin Iole (@KevinI) September 22, 2016
Big move.
FIGHT ANNOUNCEMENTS
Alexander Gustafsson (17-4-0) vs. Antonio Rogerio Noguiera (22-7-0); UFC Fight Night 100, November 19.
Elvis Mutapcic (15-4-1) vs. Anthony Smith (25-12-0); UFC TUF 24 Finale, December 3.
Josh Stansbury (8-2-0) vs. Jack Collier (10-3-0); UFC TUF 24 Finale, December 3.
TODAY IN MMA HISTORY
2003: UFC 44: Undisputed took place, headlined by the interim light heavyweight champion Randy Couture literally spanking reigning champion Tito Ortiz and winng a unanimous decision to unify the belts. The co-main event that evening saw Tim Sylvia TKO Gan McGee to retain the UFC heavyweight championship. It was after this fight that Sylvia admitted to the use of the banned substance Stanozolol and was stripped of his title. Also, on the undercard, Nick Diaz made his UFC debut, submitting Jeremy Jackson with an armbar.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Until looking at it, I didn't realize how little TJ made considering being a champion. And losing that belt was one heck of a pay cut.
Good to be back for another week in the saddle! Happy Monday and see y'all tomorrow.
If you find something you'd like to see in the Morning Report, just hit me up on Twitter @JedKMeshew and let me know about it. Also follow MMAFighting on Instagram and add us on Snapchat at MMA-Fighting because we post dope things and you should enjoy them.
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