T.J. Dillashaw Fires Verbal Shot at Petr Yan, Ahead of Return

T.J. Dillashaw’s suspension is going to end in a few week’s time, and as the former bantamweight champ gets set to make his UFC return, he’s had some words for Petr Yan.

Dillashaw takes a poke at Yan

On January 18th, 2021, Dillashaw will be able to fight again. At that point, the two-year suspension Dillashaw was handed for testing positive for recombinant human erythropoietin (EPO) in 2019, will end.

The suspension followed Dillashaw’s quick, stoppage loss to the now retired, Henry Cejudo.

Well, in recent months, there’s been debate about whether Dillashaw will be tapped for a title shot, in his first bout back. The man who currently holds the bantamweight crown, is the aforementioned Yan.

Recently Dillashaw spoke with ESPN, and while doing so, he had these words for the rising, Russian star.

“I want that title fight right away,” Dillashaw said. “You’ve got a guy in Petr Yan who beat someone for the belt that is 0-2 in the division.

Jose Aldo has two losses [at 135 pounds]; you beat him for the title and you’re calling yourself a champion?

That belt has changed hands every fight. No one there has dominated. That’s my belt, and I want to come back to a title fight.

So, Dillashaw’s verbal jabs here aside, it will be interesting to see if the UFC does book him to fight Yan next. The latter was booked to fight Aljamain Sterling this month at UFC 256. 

Yan had to withdraw, however, and it’s not clear when that fight will happen.

So, would the UFC look at bumping Sterling from his title shot? It seems somewhat unlikely.

Who else could Dillashaw fight?

Dillashaw was also asked about who he wants to fight, if the UFC doesn’t tap him for a title shot. When asked about the possibility of facing his former teammate, turned rival, Urijah Faber, he said this.

“That’s a little bit of a joke,” Dillashaw said. “I wouldn’t mind beating his ass, but he’s not even in the top 15. I’m looking to fight for a title and the guy is not even in the top 15.

I guess if [UFC] made it worth my while … I would love to whoop his ass; it would feel good, but it’s kind of a joke.

“[Sandhagen] wants to fight me because he knows that’s his way to the title. The title shot is mine, and he wants to fight me because he wants to fight for the title.

If I have to fight someone else, it better be in the top 5.

Dillashaw – Sandhagen has the makings of a fantastic fight. As does Yan – Dillashaw. So does a rematch with Dominick Cruz, but the latter is currently ranked #10.