TJ Dillashaw recently escalated his critique of Anthony Smith, backing up all of his previous fault-finding of the former UFC light heavyweight title challenger.
Smith might have faced a sobering reality regarding his hopes for a second run towards the title after enduring a challenging unanimous decision loss to short-notice replacement Roman Dolidze at UFC 303 in June.
Interestingly, the former UFC bantamweight champion was highly critical of "Lionheart's" performance during his appearance on the JAXXON PODCAST with former UFC champions Rampage Jackson and Luke Rockhold last month. Dillashaw mocked Smith's moniker, bluntly stating that the 36-year-old Texan will never become champion because he lacks the resilience to persevere.
Smith swiftly responded to Dillashaw's pointed remarks during an episode of the BELIEVE YOU ME Podcast. "Lionheart" didn't hold back, taking a scathing jab at the 38-year-old Californian's positive performance-enhancing drug test in 2019, which resulted in a two-year suspension from the UFC.
However, the exchange of verbal jabs didn't end there. Dillashaw has returned with a fresh barrage of critiques, once again labeling Smith as a quitter...
Dillashaw Thinks Smith Becomes Defensive When Judged
During his recent appearance on the JAXXON PODCAST, Dillashaw sought to defend his previous comments about Smith, arguing that he lacks the attributes of a true championship contender—a reality Smith himself has acknowledged.
I thought he was going to be a champion. I said no, and then you're like, why not? It's like, he gives up," Dillashaw said. "He doesn't have that fight, he doesn't have that dog in him personally, and I think he admitted it himself without even hearing our podcast yet. He did a video after that, kind of like deciding he's going to continue to fight.
The bantamweight veteran further noted that while Smith frequently criticizes other fighters, he doesn't handle criticism directed at himself with the same grace.
I mean, dude, the guy's got to sit there and be like, why are you wearing your feelings on your sleeve? I mean, he sits there and talks sht about people on the broadcast all the time. I'm no stranger to it; he said some sh*t about me. It's like, whatever, dude. That's just how I feel, and if you don't like it, if the truth hurts, too f**king bad.
Smith competed for the light heavyweight title in March 2019 against Jon Jones at UFC 235. In that bout, "Lionheart" decided to continue after being struck by an illegal knee from Jones and ultimately lost by unanimous decision.
Following his defeat to "Bones", Smith struggled to find his footing, unable to gain any significant momentum in his subsequent outings.