Former UFC bantamweight champion TJ Dillashaw is officially bidding farewell to his UFC career following an unfortunate spell of injuries that have forced him to retire.
TJ Dillashaw last fought at UFC 280 in October 2022, where he took on then-bantamweight champion, Aljamain Sterling in the co-main event. It was Dillashaw’s first fight in over a year after he picked up a split decision win over Cory Sandhagen prior.
Heading into his title fight against ‘Funkmaster’, the former bantamweight champion was injured. During his fight camp, Dillashaw continuously suffered from a dislocated shoulder but decided to go into the fight compromised.
TJ Dillashaw breaks down as he admits his career is over
During the fight, the 38-year-old again dislocated his shoulder in the first round. Sterling took advantage of Dillshaw’s injury and got the fight to the ground, scoring the TKO win.
Following his devastating loss, Dillashaw underwent more surgeries in an attempt to fix lingering injuries so that he could continue his career.
Despite that, he has recently emotionally admitted that his career is done, even though he wanted to make another comeback.
Talking about the new breed of fighters coming through and the era of the ‘legends’ being over on the Jaxxon Podcast, Dillashaw said: “It’s exciting and sad at the same time, to be honest. Because it’s like, I’m f****** done, you know what I mean.
“I was just forced out of the sport, it sucks. I feel like I had so much more to give still,” Dillashaw emotionally said.
Although the 38-year-old can no longer compete in MMA, he has hinted that his career in ‘combat sports’, may not be over, just yet.
TJ Dillashaw hints that he may take his talents to Power Slap
The UFC’s sister promotion, Power Slap, is taking off according to CEO, Dana White. And TJ Dillashaw has hinted that he may consider competing in it.
Fellow former UFC star, Paige VanZant, has recently competed in the promotion, winning in her debut and seemingly enjoying herself in the process.
Dillashaw is notoriously eagerly competitive as he showcased during his intense rivalry with Cody Garbrandt, and instead of seeking a life of serenity following his UFC exit, he wants to carry on seeking adrenaline.
“The only thing that I can still do competitively right now, might be Power Slap. I only have one arm, dude,” Dillashaw said.
The shoulder that the 38-year-old has an issue with, is his left shoulder, which wouldn’t be a problem in Power Slap.
With White continuing to attempt to grow the promotion, a big name like TJ Dillashaw could be enough to inject some interest into the MMA fanbase.
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