It looks like T.J. Dillashaw’s fighting career will be on hold until 2021, as it’s being reported today that the former UFC champ has been suspended by USADA for two years.
Recently Dillashaw vacated the 135 title in coordination with the news that he had been suspended by the New York State Athletic Commission, as a result of a banned substance violated. Now ESPN is reporting that USADA has suspended the star for two years, as a result of testing positive for EPO.
The report includes the following statement from USADA CEO Travis T. Tygart:
“We all know the pressures to win at all levels of all sport are real and intense. It is exactly why strong anti-doping efforts are necessary to protect clean athletes’ rights, health and safety and to ensure that those who do succumb to these pressures and decide to break the rules will be held accountable in a real and meaningful way, as in this case.”
The report also notes that EPO is a hormone that is used to stimulate red blood cell production, and that Dillashaw is not contesting the suspension.
The suspension is retroactive to January 18, 2019, the day before Dillashaw was quickly stopped by flyweight champ, Henry Cejudo.
When Dillashaw’s suspension ends in 2021, he’ll be a couple of weeks shy from turning 35.
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