Dana White Says T.J. Dillashaw vs. Demetrious Johnson Super Fight ‘Not Happening’
It looks like the proposed super fight between T.J. Dillashaw and Demetrious Johnson is no longer being planned by the UFC.
After months of rumors about the super fight that would pit the bantamweight champion against the flyweight champion, UFC president Dana White told the L.A. Times on Thursday that the fight “is not happening”.
“It was never made. Plus, D.J. is hurt and out for a while,” White said.
Johnson is currently rehabbing his shoulder after having surgery just recently but he was expected to be ready to fight again by July with hopes of landing on UFC 226 during International Fight Week in Las Vegas.
Johnson had said he was seeking the right financial arrangement to accept a fight of that magnitude and it’s entirely possible that money is ultimately the reason that fight is no longer on the table.
As for Dillashaw, White says that the UFC is working on a new fight for the bantamweight champion as he looks to defend his title for the first time after defeating Cody Garbrandt last November to win the belt.
While Johnson has virtually eliminated every contender in his division, there are a long list of challenges for Dillashaw awaiting him at 135 pounds.
It appears Dillashaw will get the chance to tackle those contenders as the UFC is moving forward with both champions taking on fighters in their own divisions rather than booking the marquee super fight.