Dana White: Demetrious Johnson vs. T.J. Dillashaw isn’t happening

The UFC’s latest attempt at a superfight is off the table, according to company president Dana White.

White told the Los Angeles Times via text that a long-discussed bout between UFC flyweight champion Demetrious Johnson and two-time UFC bantamweight champion T.J. Dillashaw is “not happening.”

The two titleholders have openly lobbied in interviews and over social media for a bout with one another under the assumption that Dillashaw would drop down to 125 pounds to challenge for Johnson’s belt. Dillashaw won his second 135-pound title with a second-round TKO win over rival Cody Garbrandt at UFC 217 last November and has made it clear that his preference is to be the man to dethrone “Mighty Mouse” as opposed to booking a rematch with Garbrandt.

Johnson is on a 14-fight unbeaten streak dating back to March 2012 and he broke the record for consecutive UFC championship defenses (11) this past October with a fifth-round submission win over Ray Borg at UFC 216.

As recently as last November, White confirmed that there was interest in the Johnson-Dillashaw bout, but it appears that he has changed his tune.

“It was never made. Plus, D.J. is hurt and out for a while,” White told the Los Angeles Times.

Johnson is currently rehabbing a shoulder injury. The 31-year-old fighter has said he hopes to be back in time for International Fight Week in July.

The report also notes that the UFC is working on an opponent for Dillashaw’s next title defense, though no specific names have been mentioned as of yet.