Pedro Munhoz targeting TJ Dillashaw after victory over Jimmie Rivera
Pedro Munhoz proved that he belongs at the top of the UFC bantamweight division on Saturday night when he defeated top-ranked Jimmie Rivera. Munhoz and Rivera put on the Fight of the Night with their back and forth war. Ultimately it was Munhoz that walked away with the unanimous decision. That win broke a two-fight losing streak for Munhoz and put him right back into possible title contention. Moving back up the rankings should give Munhoz a top-five opponent next, but he was a name in mind already. Munhoz wants the former champion, TJ Dillashaw.
“I heard some rumors that TJ Dillashaw is coming back,” Munhoz said to MMAJunkie.com. “The possibility of fighting Marlon, it won’t happen so soon. Besides training partners, we became friends. We wouldn’t fight unless it was for the title. We also have so many big names out there in the mix that I want to fight. I think a fight with TJ Dillashaw would make sense. TJ Dillashaw is coming back,” Munhoz said. “I heard some stuff that he’s coming back. I have nothing against him. I’m nobody to judge him or whatever. If the UFC thinks that fight makes sense, I would be willing to fight him or anyone else.”
Dillashaw has been out of competition for two years serving a USADA suspension for testing positive for a banned substance. Dillashaw is now able to return to fighting and has been on the receiving end to several call-outs over the past few months.
“I think (he should fight the best in his return). I’m not looking to point and judge him for anything,” Munhoz said. “When he got off from the game, he was the champion. So he’s coming back, I think they’re going to give him a big name or a big fight. I’ll be willing to fight anyone the UFC offers me.”
The only two fights in the top five that Munhoz hasn’t already faced are Cory Sandhagen and Jose Aldo.
