Video: Dominick Cruz discusses theory that UFC champ T.J. Dillashaw emulates his style

UFC bantamweight champion T.J. Dillashaw thought maybe he’d have a fight against a former champ.

If that wasn’t going to happen, maybe he’d have one against a top-contending Brazilian.

But in the past week, Dillashaw saw both ex-champ Dominick Cruz and contender Raphael Assuncao sidelined with injuries on the same day – and that leaves him with limited options for his next opponent.

Cruz recently returned to action after nearly three years out with a pair of knee injuries and a groin injury. He dominated Takeya Mizugaki for a quick first-round TKO at UFC 178, a win that put him line for a likely title shot with Dillashaw.

But with a blown-out right knee, his return will be deep into 2015 at the earliest. Before Cruz’s most recent injury, he talked to MMAjunkie about why people say champ Dillashaw emulates the style that made him successful.

“What I see is fundamentals he took from me, but not the same style,” Cruz told MMAjunkie. “… It doesn’t mean we’re going for the same combinations or the same looks. But he uses a lot of the same rhythm and technique. I’m fluid. I’m quick. I switch my stance. I switch my angles. He’s taken a lot of the things that made me a world champion and added them to his own game.”

It’s a conversation that is relevant despite Cruz’s recent injury – though if there’s one thing about Cruz Dillashaw might not want to copy, it’s his bad luck with staying healthy.

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