TJ Dillashaw has officially retired from the UFC after a string of injuries, most notably a shoulder injury. He last competed in October 2022 at UFC 280, where he faced Aljamain Sterling in the co-main event, who was the Bantamweight champion at the time. This was TJ’s first fight in over a year, following a split decision win over Cory Sandhagen. Entering the fight against Sterling, Dillashaw was already dealing with a dislocated shoulder but decided to fight despite his injury.
Dillashaw might appear in Power Slap
Now, Dillashaw has hinted at a possible move to the Power Slap, which is also owned by UFC CEO Dana White. Power Slap has been promoted by Dana and recently, UFC star Paige VanZant won her first match in the promotion. TJ is known for his competitiveness and he has recently expressed interest in continuing his athletic pursuits. Dillashaw stated that the only thing he can competitively do right now is Power Slap. His shoulder injury will not hinder his participation in the promotion and his involvement will surely attract more MMA fans.
TJ reflected on his MMA career
During the UFC 280 bout, “Lieutenant Dan” dislocated his shoulder in the first round, losing to Sterling by TKO. Despite undergoing multiple surgeries in an attempt to return, he recently admitted that his fighting career is over. TJ appeared on the Jaxxon Podcast and reflected on the new generation of fighters. “I was just forced out of the sport, it sucks. I feel like I had so much more to give still,” said TJ.
Dillashaw has held the bantamweight title twice. He first lost it to Dominick Cruz in 2016 and then regained it in 2017 after defeating Cody Garbrandt via TKO. Dillashaw’s second reign ended abruptly in 2019 after he failed a drug test when moving up to flyweight to challenge Henry Cejudo and he got a two-year suspension. He made his comeback in 2021 to reclaim the bantamweight title. Although he has now retired from the sport, he might still compete in Power Slap.
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