A month’s notice was always going be a big ask for TJ Dillashaw.
The UFC really got desperate when they asked TJ Dillashaw to save UFC 222.
The Las Vegas card was initially headlined by the featherweight title fight between Max Holloway and Frankie Edgar. However, the match-up fell through for a second time due to injury. This time it was defending champion Holloway who was forced to pull out with a knee injury.
With the undercard being severely thin, the scramble began to find a suitable main even on short notice. Initial reports suggested that a bantamweight title fight rematch between Dillashaw and Cody Garbrandt was being targetted.
Mental #UFC222 https://t.co/vaA5aD7s1h
— SportsJOE (@SportsJOEdotie) February 3, 2018
Although some reports suggested that the fight was confirmed for the card, these appear to have been false.
The defending champion told Brett Okamoto of ESPN that he turned the opportunity down. With a new-born son to take care of, he hasn’t been able to get much training in. He simply isn’t in fighting shape right now.
While one may contest his statement that Garbrandt is undeserving of a title shot, he did argue this point well. The UFC weren’t as quick to grant him a rematch against Dominick Cruz. Plus, he already has his sights set on moving down to fight for Demetrious Johnson’s flyweight belt. This is a fight the promotion want too.
Spoke to @TJDillashaw. UFC asked him to accept a rematch against Cody Garbrandt to headline 222. Here’s what he had to say about it. pic.twitter.com/esl4dBRYXe
— Brett Okamoto (@bokamotoESPN) February 3, 2018
Meanwhile, Holloway has broken his silence on social media. ‘Blessed’ confirmed the injury forced him out of the fight.
He made sure to let his fans know that he will be returning to the Octagon soon. He promised that the match-up will be rescheduled for a later date.
I asked the docs if we could cut off my leg then ask the commission if I could fight handicapped. They told me at the end of the day it is what it is… Had dozens of family from Hawaii coming up for this one… I know it sucks but hang in there. We're going to reschedule asap https://t.co/E6G1lC4eU1
— Max Holloway (@BlessedMMA) February 4, 2018
Edgar seems to have other plans.
While the former lightweight champion would obviously want another crack at the 145 lb belt, he doesn’t want to sit on the sidelines. He will be in the arena on fight night. By the sounds of it, he wants to be there to fight too.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BewsTdvHKa8/
All class from Edgar, as usual.
