Garbrandt to defend bantamweight title vs. Dillashaw after coaching TUF 25
Fight fans are soon to be treated to a good old-fashioned grudge match.
UFC bantamweight champion Cody Garbrandt will coach "The Ultimate Fighter: Redemption" opposite TJ Dillashaw before defending the title against him later this year, FOX Sports commentator Jon Anik announced on Sunday's broadcast of UFC Fight Night 103.
"No Love" has already drawn first blood in the budding rivalry, taking a creative jab at Dillashaw via Instagram moments after the announcement:
The latest season of the promotion's flagship show will feature former "TUF" welterweight winners and contestants, as well as one active UFC fighter. The program will premiere on April 19, and the cast has yet to be revealed.
Garbrandt captured the title from Dominick Cruz by unanimous decision at UFC 207 last month, and boasts a perfect UFC record of 6-0. The Ohio native challenged Dillashaw moments after he'd been officially anointed champion, his disdain for the bantamweight stemming from Dillashaw's acrimonious departure from Team Alpha Male - where Garbrandt still makes his camp - in late 2015.
The 30-year-old Dillashaw has won two straight since losing the strap to Cruz via split decision in January of last year, taking unanimous decisions over Raphael Assuncao and John Lineker at UFC 200 and 207, respectively. The California product had repeatedly condemned the promotion's decision to tap Garbrandt for a title shot, but left the brass little choice but to heed his repeated calls after dominating Lineker for three solid rounds.
The UFC has yet to book a date for the pair of coaches-to-be to settle their differences.