It has officially been two years since T.J. Dillashaw was suspended by USADA, forcing him to relinquish the UFC bantamweight title. The entire MMA community was floored when he tested positive for EPO, as Dillashaw was known for being a clean competitor.
Dillashaw’s suspension opened the door for others to take over the bantamweight division. Now, every fight could determine the next challenger for current champion Petr Yan. Although Dillashaw wants an immediate title shot when he returns, he really needs to prove himself. What is the right fight for him?
The former featherweight king in Aldo
There is some new blood in the bantamweight division, and veteran Jose Aldo is one of them. The 34-year-old last fought in December, beating Marlon Vera via unanimous decision. It was his third fight in the bantamweight division, having gone 1-2 since 2019. It is a big change for Aldo, who after having his 18-fight featherweight win streak snapped by Conor McGregor has gone 4-5 in his last nine fights.
Aldo is currently ranked sixth in the UFC’s bantamweight rankings. Having already fought for the UFC bantamweight title and losing, Aldo needs a path to get back to contention. Fighting and beating a former champion in Dillashaw could be the move for him. Following his last bout, Aldo explained why the fight makes sense.
I don’t have anything personal with T.J., Aldo stated, via MMA Fighting. I just want to make great fights for the fans. I think T.J. is a great former champion, and I think this fight makes sense for everybody.
https://twitter.com/TJDillashaw/status/1340489618974654464
If Dillashaw were to beat a legend in Aldo, perhaps that could propel him to an opportunity.
A surging fighter in Font
Ranked fifth in the UFC’s bantamweight division, Rob Font is on a three-fight win streak. He last fought in December, beating Marlon Moraes via TKO. With no clear opponent ready to face him, Font may be looking for a legacy fight to give him an extra boost.
The 33-year-old Font believes taking out Dillashaw will cement his status in the division.
“We want T.J.,” Font told Insider.
“To go out there and knockout T.J. Dillashaw would make it four in a row, two finishes, and you can’t deny me [a title shot] from there.”
The two have history; Font’s coach explained that they were moving around and sparring with one another in 2013 and 2014. Since Dillashaw didn’t lose his title in the Octagon, Font’s coach believes that he is an uncrowned champion. A win would be the icing on the cake to prove Font belongs.
A third fight against a rival in Garbrandt
Even though Dillashaw beat Cody Garbrandt twice in dominant fashion for the UFC bantamweight title, there is still a desire to see the two clash once again.
After leaving Team Alpha Male, Dillashaw would end up in a vicious war of words with Garbrandt. Garbrandt, looking to take out the Snake as he called Dillashaw, would lose to him inside Madison Square Garden. Losing the title and rematch a year later, Garbrandt would then lose to Pedro Munhoz before rebounding against Raphael Assunçao in June. The very last-second knockout in Round 2 by Garbrandt signified he was back.
Garbrandt was set to enter the flyweight division to face Deiveson Figueiredo at UFC 255. A torn bicep, as well as testing positive for COVID-19, derailed any chances of him fighting soon. Still recovering from the effects of COVID, Garbrandt might have to wait a while for a fight. If Dillashaw is patient, the two could run it back.
Who knows what can happen in the third fight.
A whole new Dillashaw?
Everyone appears to be calling out Dillashaw. Despite the way he was forced out of the title scene, his name still holds some sort of value. Recent pictures have shown he is in fight shape, but where is he mentally?
If Yan can beat Aljamain Sterling at UFC 259, the champion would be interested in fighting Dillashaw. Dillashaw, however, should look to be battle-tested beforehand. With a long line in front of him, he continues to have nothing but time. Might as well make the most of it with fresh matchups in a competitive division.
