Pivotal Bantamweight Rematch ‘Possible’ For UFC 200
According to UFC Tonight, a pivotal bantamweight fight could land on a blockbuster event this summer.
Analyst Megan Olivi reported that a rematch between former champion T.J Dillashaw and No. 5-ranked Raphael Assuncao is very ‘possible’ for July 9’s UFC 200 from the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Dillashaw has been out of action since surrendering his title in a somewhat questionable decision to Dominick Cruz last January.
Prior to his bout with Cruz, Dillashaw had won four straight bouts after losing to Assuncao back in October 2013. That win streak included a historic title winning performance over former divisional ruler Renan Barao, as well as title defenses over Joe Soto and Barao.
Assuncao, on the other hand, has been considered a bantamweight title threat for a few years now although he just can’t seem to stay healthy. Despite riding an impressive seven-fight win streak, the Brazilian hasn’t competed since October 2014.
Over the course of his streak, Assuncao has beaten the likes of Johnny Eduardo, Dillashaw, and Bryan Caraway.
The 135-pound strap is set to be defended at June 4’s UFC 199 when Cruz meets Urijah Faber in a trilogy matchup, meaning that Dillashaw vs. Assuncao could very well decide the next challenger to the division’s throne.
Who are you picking in this potential rematch?
