T.J. Dillashaw On Fighting For The Title At 36: ‘If I’m In This Sport, I’m Gonna Be On Top’

• T.J. Dillashaw wants to spend the rest of his UFC career as a champion
• The 36-year-old is excited to face some of the best fighters in the bantamweight division once he becomes the champion once again

Some may say time is not on T.J. Dillashaw’s side but one thing undeniable is that he’s competing for the title at age 36. Dillashaw relinquished his bantamweight belt in 2019 after being suspended by USADA. He will try to reclaim it at UFC 280 when he faces reigning champion, Aljamain Sterling.

Staying on top

Ahead of his return to title contention, Dillashaw pointed out that he has been “on top” for years and everything will remain the same as long as he’s still in the game.

“I’ve on top of this sport since 2014, I’ve on top right? If I’m in this sport, I’m gonna be on top,” Dillashaw told ESPN MMA. “I’m gonna be fighting for the belt. I’ll be fighting for those top spots. Since 2014, I’ve been there so I’ll always be there. So If I decide to fight, I’m the champ and now I’m back to prove it.”

So many options

As expected, Dillashaw is oozing with confidence heading into UFC 280. As early as now, the former 135-pound division king is already excited about guys like Petr Yan, Cory Sandhagen, Chito Vera and Sean O’Malley.

For Dillashaw, the bantamweight division is stacked and he would have a lot of options once he finally gets his title back.

“It’s super exciting,” Dillashaw said of the current bantamweight division. “To see what the weight class has done and how it’s evolved. It’s always been super exciting weight class…It’s always been very entertaining and now we got the personalities to back it up. And the list is endless for me to fit my belt against once I get it back.”

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Dillashaw has not fought for more than a year but he’s coming off a split decision win over Cory Sandhagen at UFC Vegas 32. He is aiming to become a three-time bantamweight champion and he’ll finally get his chance at UFC 280.

UFC 280 will take place on Oct. 22 at the Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi. Will Dillashaw be able to reclaim his throne? Let’s wait and see.

Published on October 12, 2022 at 11:17 am

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