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Champ Cody Garbrandt: T.J. Dillashaw moves around gyms like ‘a prostitute on the corner’
The feud between UFC bantamweight champion Cody Garbrandt and T.J. Dillashaw is one that could last more than one fight. In fact, Garbrandt predicts it could stretch for generations to come.
Both Garbrandt (11-0 MMA, 6-0 UFC) and Dillashaw (14-3 MMA, 10-3 UFC), who meet for the 135-pound belt in UFC 217’s pay-per-view co-headliner at Madison Square Garden in New York City, are soon expecting the arrival of their first children. What those kids choose a profession remains to be seen, but the champ said if they go into fighting, the upcoming match could be the first of many between the families.
“I’m very fortunate and blessed to have a baby son come up, just like T.J.,” Garbrandt said. “Maybe years down the road it will be Dillashaw vs. Garbrandt, and we’ll be in the opposite corners as well.”
The Garbrandt-Dillashaw tension has simmered in recent months. The former Team Alpha Male teammates have become enemies after Dillashaw famously left the team to explore other training options. That decision still doesn’t sit well with Garbrandt, who considers himself a loyalist.
After serving as opposing coaches on “The Ultimate Fighter 25,” Garbrandt was supposed to make his first title defense against Dillashaw at UFC 213 in July. Unfortunately, “No Love” suffered a back injury that forced him out of the bout, but four months later, he’s now ready to go.
Despite some health issues, Garbrandt, No. 1 in the latest USA TODAY Sports/MMAjunkie MMA bantamweight rankings, said he’s stuck to what works. He doesn’t believe No. 3-ranked Dillashaw can say the same.
“(He has been) bouncing around from camps,” Garbrandt said. “He left Colorado. (Now) he’s out in California. You’re like a prostitute on the corner bouncing around from gyms.”
Dillashaw has always explored his training options. Even when at Team Alpha Male, he dabbled elsewhere, which helped prompt the ugly falling out from the team. The former bantamweight titleholder said he makes no apologies for his decision-making since it helped him become a better fighter, he said.
“At least I’m out there learning new (expletive),” Dillashaw said.
Garbrandt said he intends to put it to the test when he finally shares the octagon with his rival.
“I’m finally healthy,” Garbrandt said. “We’ll find out Nov. 4.”
For more on UFC 217, check out the UFC Rumors section of the site.
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