Tag: T.J. Dillashaw

Aldo Targets Dillashaw Clash On Sterling/Yan 2 Undercard In 2022

With a victory over Rob Font at UFC Vegas 44 this weekend, José Aldo will be targeting a title eliminator against TJ Dillashaw in 2022.

After falling short of the vacant bantamweight gold against Petr Yan last July, not many would have expected Ald…

José Aldo, TJ Dillashaw

With a victory over Rob Font at UFC Vegas 44 this weekend, José Aldo will be targeting a title eliminator against TJ Dillashaw in 2022.

After falling short of the vacant bantamweight gold against Petr Yan last July, not many would have expected Aldo to mount another title run. At the time, the Brazilian was 3-5 since his first UFC defeat versus Conor McGregor, with setbacks against Max Holloway, Alexander Volkanovski, and a controversial decision loss to Marlon Moraes in his 135-pound debut.

But since a brutal TKO at UFC 251, Aldo has won back-to-back contests and established himself back into title contention. A unanimous decision triumph over Marlon Vera last December put him in the bantamweight win column for the first time, before a similar result against perennial contender Pedro Munhoz in August this year cemented his place in the top five.

“Junior” will look to climb closer to the top step when he collides with Font in this Saturday’s main event.

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Aldo Aims To Use Font & Dillashaw To Get Back To The Title

Despite certainly having his hands full with Font, who’s regarded as one of the top strikers in the division and has won his last four Octagon outings, Aldo still has one eye on the future. And should he emerge victorious inside the Apex, the veteran has his sights set on one top contender.

During an appearance on MMA Fighting’s Portuguese-language podcast Trocação Franca, the former UFC Featherweight Champion acknowledged that a clash with TJ Dillashaw could happen in 2022 if he can extend his winning streak to three on December 4. In a perfect world, Aldo says it would go down on the same card as the unification bout between Aljamain Sterling and interim titleholder Petr Yan.

“It might happen. The fact Sterling is injured and we don’t know when he’s coming back, that (Dillashaw fight) could indeed happen in the future. Dillashaw and I, I don’t know if right now or in the near future, we want this fight. It’s a great fight for both of us, the UFC and the fans, so we’d all agree. I don’t know if it could be on the same card (as Sterling vs. Yan 2). If it is, I’ll be ready. My history is rich, so is his, and we need to make this fight.” (h/t MMA Mania)

Nevertheless, Aldo knows he can’t take Font lightly. This weekend will mark the 34-year-old’s second UFC main event of the year. In the UFC Vegas 27 headliner, Font outpointed former champ Cody Garbrandt across five rounds.

Prior to that, the Massachusetts native recorded victories over Sergio Pettis, Ricky Simon, and “Magic” Moraes. He’ll be looking to spoil Aldo’s plans and book a title eliminator for himself on Saturday.

Would you like to see the winner of José Aldo vs. Rob Font face TJ Dillashaw next year?

Continue Reading Aldo Targets Dillashaw Clash On Sterling/Yan 2 Undercard In 2022 at MMA News.

Petr Yan Would Rather Fight Dillashaw Than “Chicken” Sterling

Former UFC Bantamweight Champion Petr Yan has claimed he’d rather fight TJ Dillashaw than run it back with “chicken” Aljamain Sterling. Yan and Sterling collided earlier this year at UFC 259. After extending his UFC record to 7-0 with a relentless TKO victory over José Aldo last July, “No Mercy” reached the 135-pound mountaintop and […]

Continue Reading Petr Yan Would Rather Fight Dillashaw Than “Chicken” Sterling at MMA News.

Former UFC Bantamweight Champion Petr Yan has claimed he’d rather fight TJ Dillashaw than run it back with “chicken” Aljamain Sterling.

Yan and Sterling collided earlier this year at UFC 259. After extending his UFC record to 7-0 with a relentless TKO victory over José Aldo last July, “No Mercy” reached the 135-pound mountaintop and looked set for a successful reign as champion. That narrative was firmly established in the opening three-and-a-half rounds of his first defense against Sterling.

However, after being on track for a comfortable retention, Yan saw the title ripped from his grasp after he landed an illegal knee on a downed Sterling, who became the first champion in UFC history to be crowned via disqualification. In the following months, the pair developed a bitter rivalry, accentuated by Sterling’s decision to delay a second fight with the Russian by undergoing neck surgery.

After a lengthy period of back-and-forth on social media and in interviews, the pair’s rematch was arranged for UFC 267 in Abu Dhabi. However, after failing to receive medical clearance due to the lingering issues from his operation, “Funk Master” withdrew from his first defense. In his place has stepped #3-ranked contender Cory Sandhagen, who will clash with Yan for the interim belt in this weekend’s co-main event.

Yan Targets Dillashaw Fight If He Wins Gold In Abu Dhabi This Weekend

The situation is far from ideal for Petr Yan, who was hoping to regain the title that he believes he never legitimately lost. The Russian has consistently made his opinion on Sterling’s absence known. Now, with the champ set for further months on the sidelines, Yan doubts the extent to which Sterling’s neck is still injured.

During a recent appearance on The MMA Hour, Yan admitted he was disappointed not to be running it back with his bitter foe. He also doubled down on his confusion over why Sterling chose to have surgery after winning the title, and branded recent videos of “Funk Master” sparring in the aftermath of his UFC 267 withdrawal as “ridiculous.”

“Of course, i wanted to regain my belt in the rematch with Sterling, but as we all know, he ran away like a sneaky fox… Nothing personal, it’s just, you know, his decision to make this surgery right now. I don’t know why he hadn’t done it earlier or maybe later in his career. But now he has the whole division in a mess.

“When people have a neck pain, i don’t see them sparring with someone without any headgear, you know. It’s just ridiculous,” said Yan via a translator.

Discussing what’s next if he’s victorious against “The Sandman” this Saturday, Yan surprisingly suggested he’d rather face #2-ranked bantamweight TJ Dillashaw than Sterling. If he wins the interim gold, most would be expecting the Russian to meet the champion in a unification bout. However, with Dillashaw suggesting Sterling may never compete again, perhaps the door for a clash with the former two-time champ will be open for Yan.

“I don’t know what will be next. Maybe it will be Sterling, maybe it will be Dillashaw. I don’t want to fight with Sterling. He’s chicken. He’s not good, not good guy. I want to fight, maybe, with Dillashaw.”

After serving a two-year suspension following a positive EPO test in 2019, Dillashaw returned to the Octagon at UFC Vegas 32 in July. Without taking a tune-up fight, the Californian faced top contender Sandhagen in the event’s main event. After an incredibly competitive and tight five rounds, the 35-year-old fell on the right side of a close split decision.

Having undergone knee surgery following his comeback, Dillashaw was unable to replace Sterling this month, and is targeting a return to action in early 2022. having previously had his sights set on the winner of Yan vs. Sterling 2, perhaps the former champ will have his eyes on the Russian should he defeat Sandhagen on October 30.

If Petr Yan wins this weekend, who would you rather see him face, TJ Dillashaw or Aljamain Sterling?

Continue Reading Petr Yan Would Rather Fight Dillashaw Than “Chicken” Sterling at MMA News.

Dillashaw Expresses Doubts Sterling Will Ever Return, Sterling Responds

UFC bantamweight TJ Dillashaw has suggested that 135-pound champion Aljamain Sterling may never return to action as a result of the neck surgery he underwent earlier this year. Sterling went under the knife soon after his championship crowning at UFC 259. Against then-champion Petr Yan, “Funk Master” was being comfortably beaten until the Russian struck […]

Continue Reading Dillashaw Expresses Doubts Sterling Will Ever Return, Sterling Responds at MMA News.

UFC bantamweight TJ Dillashaw has suggested that 135-pound champion Aljamain Sterling may never return to action as a result of the neck surgery he underwent earlier this year.

Sterling went under the knife soon after his championship crowning at UFC 259. Against then-champion Petr Yan, “Funk Master” was being comfortably beaten until the Russian struck him with an illegal knee while he was a downed opponent. With the 32-year-old unable to continue, “No Mercy” was disqualified and Sterling became the first champion in UFC history to be crowned due to a DQ.

After taking time away to recover from surgery, Sterling was scheduled to make his first title defense in an inevitable rematch against Yan at UFC 267 this month. Unfortunately, lingering neck issues meant the champ failed to get medical clearance and had to withdraw. While he faces some more time on the sidelines, Cory Sandhagen is set to clash with Yan for the interim gold on October 30.

One man who’d almost certainly have been first choice to replace Sterling had he not had surgery of his own is TJ Dillashaw. The former UFC Bantamweight Champion returned to action at UFC Vegas 32 in July. In a competitive and enthralling main event, the 35-year-old secured a split decision victory over Sandhagen.

Having jumped straight into the rankings at #2, Dillashaw had been anticipating a title opportunity in early 2022 against the winner of Sterling vs. Yan 2. He was required to undergo knee surgery as a result of his fight with “The Sandman,” thus ruling him out of a short-notice title fight with the #1-ranked bantamweight this month.

With the latest changes to the title scene, his plans may have been spoiled. It now stands to reason the winner of Yan vs. Sandhagen will meet the champ inside the Octagon early next year in a unification bout, likely pushing a championship opportunity further back for Dillashaw. However, the Californian believes that may not actually be an issue. During a recent appearance on Ariel Helwani’s The MMA Hour, Dillashaw suggested Sterling may never return to action because of the complications surrounding his neck surgery.

“I don’t even know if Aljo’s ever going to come back to be honest. From what he had done, it’s kind of crazy. If I was him, I would have waited to get that done. My coaches, my strength and conditioning coach as well as my wrestling coach, sells the medical equipment that did his neck, don’t believe he’s ever going to come back.

“I think he’s just holding onto this belt as long as he can. I’ve had that feeling already so when he pulled out of the fight, I wasn’t surprised. I bet he’s dealing with nerve damage. I bet he’s dealing with a lot of stuff. You go get your neck cranked on with what he’s had done, it’s definitely not good. We’ll see. I could be completely wrong but I don’t know if he’s ever going to come back.” (h/t MMA Fighting)

Dillashaw added that he doesn’t understand why Sterling chose to have the surgery when he did. The former bantamweight king cited the injuries he carried while he was champion, suggesting Sterling should have taken advantage of the big fights and big paydays ahead of him.

“You’re on top of the world. You’re champion. Yeah, you won it the way you did but now you’re going to start getting paid like a champion. You’re going to have these big fights. Take advantage of them while you can. Don’t go out and get this neck surgery.

“I understand he’s got the problem, he has the injuries. I was dealing with two blown out shoulders when I was the champion but I wasn’t willing to sit out for a year cause I had big paydays.”

Without addressing Dillashaw’s comments on why he underwent the surgery when he did, Sterling responded to the claim that he won’t return in a post on Twitter. “Funk Master” asserted that despite the procedure, he’ll certainly be back.

“Not a small procedure by any means. But I KNOW I will be back! Just gotta keep things moving in the right direction.”

Do you think Aljamain Sterling will return to defend his bantamweight title?

Continue Reading Dillashaw Expresses Doubts Sterling Will Ever Return, Sterling Responds at MMA News.

TJ Dillashaw’s Comeback Win Gave Brian Ortega A Confidence Boost

UFC featherweight Brian Ortega has revealed the confidence boost he received from new teammate TJ Dillashaw’s return victory at UFC Vegas 32. Having not fought in 11 months, Ortega is set to return in this weekend’s UFC 266 main event. “T-City” was last in action against “The Korean Zombie” Chan Sung Jung at UFC Fight […]

Continue Reading TJ Dillashaw’s Comeback Win Gave Brian Ortega A Confidence Boost at MMA News.

UFC featherweight Brian Ortega has revealed the confidence boost he received from new teammate TJ Dillashaw’s return victory at UFC Vegas 32.

Having not fought in 11 months, Ortega is set to return in this weekend’s UFC 266 main event. “T-City” was last in action against “The Korean Zombie” Chan Sung Jung at UFC Fight Island 6. Across five rounds, the 15-1 contender outpointed the dangerous 34-year-old and secured a unanimous decision victory.

After looking back to his best, Ortega secured his second shot at gold. He was set to meet UFC Featherweight Champion Alexander Volkanovski in the UFC 260 co-main event in March. Unfortunately, a positive COVID-19 test from the Australian forced a cancelation. Rather than an immediate rebooking, the pair instead heated their rivalry as coaches on season 29 of The Ultimate Fighter. After a long wait, the pair will finally collide inside the octagon in Saturday’s pay-per-view headliner.

Ahead of his title challenge, Ortega has revealed the positive impact former UFC bantamweight Champion TJ Dillashaw’s return to action had on him. In preparation for his main event bout with Cory Sandhagen in July, Dillashaw had trained with “T-City.”

Ortega believes the 35-year-old’s ability to make his comeback against one of the division’s best, and fight through early animosity in the form of a knee injury, proved to him that he’s training with the right team.

“It let me know the caliber of people I’m working with now, someone who could go out and do what he did in that kind of a situation,” Ortega said. “… And it helped my confidence because it lets me know I’m in the right place with the right people.” (h/t Yahoo Sport)

Dillashaw also returned the compliment. The Californian praised Ortega’s abilities, and suggested his reach advantage over Volkanovski could see him find success against the champ at UFC 266.

“I got some rounds in with him [when I was preparing for Sandhagen] and I was super impressed with him,” Dillashaw said. “He has a great jab, he’s able to keep the distance and he’s real tall for the weight class, especially fighting Volkanovski. He’s going to have such a huge reach advantage. His jab is so sneaky and he’s able to load up his punches.”

After serving a two-year suspension following a positive EPO test in 2019, Dillashaw jumped straight back into title contention with a split decision win against Sandhagen at UFC Vegas 32. The former 135-pound king is anticipating a shot at gold once he’s recovered from knee surgery in early 2022.

While he prepares for a likely clash against the victor of Aljamain Sterling’s championship rematch against Petr Yan at UFC 267, perhaps he’ll be receiving the help of the new featherweight champion, should Ortega emerge victorious this weekend inside the T-Mobile Arena.

Who do you think will have their hand raised at UFC 266? Brian Ortega or Alexander Volkanovski?

Continue Reading TJ Dillashaw’s Comeback Win Gave Brian Ortega A Confidence Boost at MMA News.

O’Malley Says Dillashaw Proved Him Wrong With “Inspiring” Performance

UFC bantamweight Sean O’Malley has praised TJ Dillashaw for his performance against Cory Sandhagen at UFC Vegas 32 in July. Dillashaw, who is a former two-time UFC Bantamweight Champion, was making his return to the Octagon after more than two years on the sidelines. The 35-year-old had tested positive for EPO following his defeat to […]

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UFC bantamweight Sean O’Malley has praised TJ Dillashaw for his performance against Cory Sandhagen at UFC Vegas 32 in July.

Dillashaw, who is a former two-time UFC Bantamweight Champion, was making his return to the Octagon after more than two years on the sidelines. The 35-year-old had tested positive for EPO following his defeat to Henry Cejudo in 2019. The failed drug test resulted in a lengthy suspension for Dillashaw.

But adding doubt to the existence of ring rust, the Californian looked close to his best against Sandhagen. Without taking a tune-up fight, Dillashaw jumped straight into the deep end against “The Sandman,” who was ranked #2 in the division at the time. After battling some early adversity in the form of a knee injury and a deep cut, Dillashaw found his rhythm and grinded out a split decision victory.

Despite some suggesting Sandhagen should have had his hand raised, most agreed that Dillashaw’s performance was worthy of praise. Sean O’Malley is the latest individual to marvel at his peer’s return display.

During a recent appearance on Ariel Helwani’s The MMA Hour, “Suga” addressed the questions surrounding Dillashaw’s comeback. However, he suggested the 35-year-old answered them with one of the greatest performances he’s ever seen.

“Honestly, it was one of the sweetest performances I’ve seen, especially coming back, coming off so many question marks of, is he gonna have the cardio, is he gonna have the push, is he gonna have that same mindset with needles in his butt? He did. He was mentally there for 25 minutes, hurt his knee early on, was getting pieced up early on, and found a way to win. So that performance was actually very inspiring. It was really impressive, really good to watch.

“I was questioning. I didn’t know where he’d be. I was like, ‘We’ll see.’ I thought he wouldn’t have that same push, that same drive, that same cardio, and he did. So I was actually very impressed with that performance.”

Despite praising Dillashaw, O’Malley probably wouldn’t have been pleased to hear the former champ’s comments about him last month. While he may only be 26, Dillashaw suggested “Suga” has too many holes in his game to become a champion.

O’Malley will look to prove Dillashaw wrong, starting with his next appearance. Having defeated promotional newcomer Kris Moutinho at UFC 264 in July, the surging bantamweight star is on the hunt for an opponent for UFC 269 in December.

The Montana-born star was offered an intriguing clash with Frankie Edgar at UFC 268. However, the date clashed with a grappling tournament his coach Tim Welch is set to attend. Nevertheless, O’Malley looks set for one more fight before the close of this calendar year.

If he can rack up a few more wins, perhaps he can secure a meeting with Dillashaw inside the Octagon before the former champion calls time on his career.

What did you make of TJ Dillashaw’s return to action at UFC Vegas 32? Do you agree with Sean O’Malley?

Continue Reading O’Malley Says Dillashaw Proved Him Wrong With “Inspiring” Performance at MMA News.

TJ Dillashaw Admits To Lying During Cory Sandhagen Fight

UFC bantamweight TJ Dillashaw has admitted he lied about his vision to the cageside doctor after suffering a bad cut against Cory Sandhagen. After serving a two-year suspension following a positive test for EPO in 2019, Dillashaw returned to action in …

UFC bantamweight TJ Dillashaw has admitted he lied about his vision to the cageside doctor after suffering a bad cut against Cory Sandhagen. After serving a two-year suspension following a positive test for EPO in 2019, Dillashaw returned to action in the UFC Vegas 32 main event in July. Against Sandhagen, who was the #2-ranked […]

Continue Reading TJ Dillashaw Admits To Lying During Cory Sandhagen Fight at MMA News.