Dana White backtracks and says Dillashaw should have a fight before fighting for the belt

T. Dillashaw hasn't fought since January 2019. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram @ufc

Ultimate President Dana White appears to have changed his mind about the future of TJ Dillashaw. After stating, a few months ago, that the former champion could return from suspension in a direct fight for the bantamweight belt (up to 61,2kg), the 'big boss' changed his speech. In an interview with 'ESPN', the agent spoke about the subject.

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“We’re working on something for TJ (Dillashaw). At the moment, this fight would put the winner in a position to fight for the belt next,” said Dana.

Former bantamweight champion, Dillashaw has not performed since January 2019, when he dropped to flyweight (up to 56,7kg) to try to take the UFC belt. Henry Cejudo. In the confrontation, in addition to being easily beaten by 'Triple C', the North American ended up caught in an anti-doping test.

At the time, TJ admitted the 'misstep' and, even before the punishment, gave up the title in the under-61,2kg category. As a result, the fighter ended up suspended for two years, a sentence that ended in January of this season.

Currently, the rooster belt belongs to Petr yan. The 'throne' of the division, however, will be put at stake this Saturday (6), by UFC 259. In the show, the Russian tries to defend his position against aljamain sterling.