Don't expect former bantamweight champion TJ Dillashaw to return to UFC anytime soon.
Dillashaw, 38, has been retired for almost two years. In October 2022, TJ Dillashaw was set to challenge for his third bantamweight gold medal against then-champion Aljamain Sterling. However, the training camp was extremely tough for the former titleholder. Dillashaw had suffered shoulder injuries in the past, but the problem worsened while training with “The Funk Master.”
Just a few minutes into his fight at UFC 280, TJ Dillashaw dislocated his shoulder. Though he continued to fight, the former champion was stopped in the second round. After the loss, Dillashaw decided to retire from MMA. Given his injury, age, and a stellar career, it was an easy decision.
However, there have been rumors since then that TJ Dillashaw may be making a comeback. The 38-year-old has continued to post on social media since his retirement and is looking good. In a post earlier this year, Dillashaw said that “the future is bright” and that he hopes to hear news about his future soon.
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Former UFC champion TJ Dillashaw denies comeback rumors
However, don't expect the former bantamweight to compete again in the future. Jackson PodcastTJ Dillashaw spoke about UFC 303, where he praised the promising Diego Lopez and said there was no chance he'll ever fight in the cage again.
“I'm excited and sad at the same time,” TJ Dillashaw said on his podcast about UFC 303 and watching fights after his retirement. “It's over, you know? It sucks to be kicked out of the sport. I felt like I had more to do. I'm excited. [to watch fights still]…But that’s what I think.”
It's unlikely that TJ Dillashaw will return to fighting — never say never in the world of mixed martial arts — but given his lengthy injury history, it's highly unlikely the 38-year-old will ever return to fighting.
What do you think of these comments from the former UFC champion? Would you like to see TJ Dillashaw fight again?
