Former two-time UFC Bantamweight Champion TJ Dillashaw, regarded as one of the greatest fighters ever in the 135lb division, recently shed light on one of the most controversial chapters of his career.
Following a two-year suspension for testing positive for the performance-enhancing drug EPO, Dillashaw made his return in 2021 and subsequently earned a shot at the title against Aljamain Sterling at UFC 280 in October 2022.
Prior to the fight, Dillashaw failed to disclose a severe shoulder injury that was potentially career-ending, opting not to withdraw from the scheduled bout.
On fight night, the injury became critically apparent. Dillashaw`s shoulder repeatedly dislocated during the contest, leading to a lopsided second-round TKO loss to Sterling. This would ultimately be Dillashaw’s final fight in mixed martial arts.
Years after announcing his retirement, the former champion has explained the mindset that led him to believe he could still defeat Sterling, even with such a brutal physical handicap.
Dillashaw Thought He Could KO Sterling With One Arm Due to Perceived Striking Weakness
Speaking on ‘The Jaxxon Podcast’, Dillashaw recalled the day his shoulder initially popped out during training. Quinton Jackson, who was present, expressed his wish that Dillashaw had pulled out of the Sterling fight due to the injury.
Dillashaw detailed his reasoning for pushing forward:
“I was fighting a guy that I felt like I could still beat with the arm that I had,” Dillashaw said of Sterling. “I felt like I could’ve knocked him out. Yeah, [with one arm]. His striking is complete garbage.”
Despite Dillashaw`s assessment of Sterling`s striking, Sterling, a dominant wrestler, controlled the fight with takedowns as Dillashaw struggled visibly with his injured shoulder. Dillashaw received significant criticism from the MMA community for not withdrawing from the bantamweight title fight.
Being ‘Delusionally Optimistic’ Was Key to His Rise
Dillashaw admitted the odds were not favorable at UFC 280, particularly given the severity of the shoulder injury, which still limits his ability to raise his left arm high today. He knew the injury would require surgery and a lengthy recovery period.
At 36 years old, the title shot against Sterling represented a chance to become a rare three-time UFC champion, a feat only achieved by a select few like Jon Jones and Randy Couture. This potential legacy played a significant role in his decision.
“I know I’m gonna have to have shoulder surgery, so I’m gonna be out for another year and a half. I’m 36 years old. It’s kinda like, this might be my last f—— shot,” Dillashaw explained. “Ends up, yes, it was because my shoulder was so bad… So it’s like, why am I gonna pass up this opportunity? Might be my last shot ever to be a three time world champion [and] get my belt back.”
Joking about the fight`s improbable circumstances, Dillashaw then connected his mindset at UFC 280 to his broader career philosophy.
“I’m delusionally optimistic but I really believe that’s also what got me to the belt. I believed in myself so much that I was able to push through so much negativity and get to the top,” Dillashaw concluded.
