T.J. Dillashaw Says He’s Been Told Title Shot is Waiting After PED Suspension Ends

Despite the fact it will have been over two years since he last fought, on account of being suspended for performance-enhancing-drugs, T.J. Dillashaw’s claiming the UFC is going to give him a title shot in his next bout.

Dillashaw says he was told immediate title shot is waiting

The 34-year-old Dillashaw is currently serving a two-year suspension, after he tested positive for the banned substance, EPO, in connection with his Jaunary, 2019, bout with Henry Cejudo. Dillashaw dropped down to flyweight title to challenge Cejudo for the title, but was quickly stopped by the now-former, champ-champ. 

Since the suspension is retroactive to last January, Dillashaw still has nearly a year left on his suspension. Recently the fighter spoke with MMA Junkie, and while discussing his comeback, Dillashaw said this.

“I was told I would get that title fight when I came back, but that doesn’t mean anything,” Dillashaw said. “I made a mistake – I don’t own rights to anything. But if it was my choice, it would be title fight, if not top-five to prove I should get that title fight. I think that makes sense.

“I’m hoping they just throw me to the dogs. If I can’t get that title fight, I want someone in the top five so that I can get my title fight. I’m not here to play around. I want my belt back. It’s still mine. I’ll be ready.”

So, depending on your views about PEDs, this revelation may not sit too well. That said, and Dillashaw noted this, things could change over the next year.

By the time Dillashaw is ready to return, maybe circumstances will dictate where the UFC decides to go another route. For example, what if whoever is holding the bantamweight title, Cejudo or not, bitterly protests Dillashaw receiving an immediate title shot? Or if fans do the same?

Dillashaw says suspension was a “blessing in disguise”

During the interview, Dillashaw also relayed that in a way, the suspension has had some upsides. The former champion has undergone two surgeries, and he’s also had time to do other things with his life.

“I work my ass off and this has actually been – I wouldn’t choose to do this – but one of the best breaks I’ve had ever. I’ve got to focus on other parts of my life. I did something I highly regret and I’ve owned up to it and paid the price for it. I hate to say it’s a blessing in disguise, because I would never choose to do it again, but it is.”

It will be interesting to see if other fighters pick up on these comments and how they react.

Prior to facing Cejudo, Dillashaw stopped Cody Garbrandt for the second time in August, 2018.