Issue 135

December 2015

With the two leading bantamweights in the world finally set to collide, we ask...

YES

Dominick Cruz

Former UFC bantamweight champion

Of course he has to beat me to prove himself as the true champion, after all, I never lost the championship belt inside the Octagon. Injuries took the belt from me. TJ needs me because I bring the fans, he does nothing in terms of numbers. I had the records for the biggest events in UFC bantamweight history before I got hurt. I helped to pay his way, and he does nothing. So he can go around and tell the world how he’s going to knock me out faster than Barao, how he’s going to knock me out inside two rounds, but he’s got to prove it. The facts don’t lie. At this point the entire world still knows that I am the biggest draw in the division. And TJ knows that too.

NO

TJ Dillashaw

Current UFC bantamweight champion

Dominick has been out for a long time and the weight class has moved on while he’s been gone. It’s true that he’s an opponent I have been hoping to face for some time, and I was bummed when he pulled out of the fight last time as I was as excited as the fans to get that fight on. When I first got into MMA he was the WEC champion and I remember helping Urijah (Faber) train to fight him. He’s someone I’ve wanted to fight for a very long time, so it will be nice to finally put it to bed. In his absence I’ve proven to the world how I’m the number one fighter in the bantamweight division in MMA today, and I’ll prove that again once when we finally fight. I just hope he stays healthy long enough to get what’s coming to him.

You say...

No

@RichBoyd35 

Cruz was out and UFC crowned Barao champion, then TJ beat Barao so he’s champion.

Yes

@ryanmadden7

Of course, same way DC and Gustafsson need to beat Jones. None are true champs.

No

@josephdiano77

If this were Barao then I’d say yes, but TJ earned his reign. But he needs to win as it’s Cruz!

Twitter poll

YES 32%

NO 68%