After defeating Frankie Saenz last month at UFC 194, Urijah claimed that he has been “released” from his connection with current MMA bantamweight champ, T.J. Dillashaw. He even went on claiming that he “can’t relate” to his former team member anymore. Aside from this, Faber also released some statements implying that Dillashaw has been inflicting injuries to his former team members back in their gym in Sacramento, California.
When Dillashaw found out about what Faber said, the champion said that he was surprised and really felt disappointed. However, Dillashaw said he might have an idea why Faber is acting the way he is.
“With me and Faber, that surprised me the way he’s been acting as well. Because I’m cool with all the guys and really that’s just a way for him to push for a title fight. For him to make some money. I’ve done nothing but show respect. I don’t go out there and talk crap about Urijah and there’s plenty to talk about. I’m just gonna continue to be a humble guy and appreciate what he did for me in this sport,” Dillashaw said during a conference call.
The feud between the two MMA fighters started when former Team Alpha Male coach, Duane Ludwig, and Faber Dillashaw had a fall out. Ludwig then opted to open his own gym in Colorado and left the team. Last October, Dillashaw decided that he’ll be leaving Team Alpha Male to join Ludwig’s team, Elevation Fight Team. Although Ludwig is not the head coach of the said team, the Elevation Fight Team gym is just nearby and Dillashaw wanted to be near him as much as possible. Dillashaw said that Ludwig was the whole reason why he has greatly improved on his striking moves.
“It’s just a little ridiculous that I’m getting crap for changing camps when it happens all the time. When guys are trying to better themselves or their career, they go to a new team or a new coach. It happens every day in this sport. What’s the big deal? It’s a little ridiculous and you just have to laugh it off, you know?” Dillashaw said.
Dillashaw, who is currently holding a record of 12-2, confirmed that he is still friends with everybody in his previous team, except for Urijah. Two longtime members of his former gym, Lance Palmer and Joseph Benavidez, are even helping him prepare for his upcoming fight against Cruz.
“It just kind of tells the truth of what’s really going on. Just how shallow Urijah is acting with what’s going on,” Dillashaw said.
If Dillashaw beats Cruz, which is no easy task, his old friend, the guy who recruited him to Team Alpha Male and gave him his MMA star could be soon standing across from him in the Octagon. That’s not something Dillashaw wanted in the past, but it seems like it could be a reality before long.
If Dillashaw will win over Cruz in this upcoming bout, Urijah might be his next contender would most likely be Faber. In previous interviews, Dillashaw was certain he didn’t want to go against his former friend, but with the current situation, it looks like Dillashaw will agree to go ahead with the possible match. At the end of it all, Dillashaw says that he knows Faber just wants to have a shot at the title.
“I think Faber is just pushing for a title fight. I know everything is cool,” Dillashaw concluded.