The wait is over. Back after serving a two-year suspension for doping, TJ Dillashaw returns to the octagon this Saturday (24), in front of Cory Sandhagen, UFC Las Vegas 32. Excited about the new fight of the former bantamweight champion (up to 61,2kg), one of the North American's coaches, Philipe Furão, spoke exclusively to SUPER LUTAS YouTube channel about expectations for the confrontation. The coach also opened up about doping and the troubled moment experienced by the Ultimate icon.
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Dillashaw's return comes more than two and a half years after his last performance. Before being caught doping, the athlete went down to flyweight (up to 56,7kg), but ended up surpassed by Henry Cejudo in an attempt to add his second title.
Doping case
Months after the tough defeat to Cejudo, in 2019, USADA (United States Anti-Doping Agency) announced the maximum punishment for the former champion for using the banned substance EPO (erythropoietin). Knowing the situation involving TJ, Furão commented on the athlete's reaction at the gym when he found out that he would be suspended for two years.
“When the news came out, we took a hit. I sent a message and, first thing, he apologized for somehow involving everyone. A fighter's camp (training period) always reflects on the coaches. (…) He made a mistake. That camp where the doping took place was the one where he would fight against (Henry) Cejudo. It was exhausting for him in terms of having to lose weight and train. Unfortunately, he chose to do some things that didn't work out. He was out of action for two years because of this. (…) He made the mistake, took ownership and we gave him support to continue training. He learned from this lesson,” said Furão.
Hit the fighter
Although he dealt with the matter transparently, Dillashaw suffered from the conviction, as Philipe says. According to the coach, the American went through difficult times and cited losses that influenced both his professional and personal life.
“I felt that, when all this happened, he had a blow. An athlete like him, you lose financially. (…) With the time he was idle, he ended up losing a lot of sponsorship and salaries. The 'earning bread' has decreased. So, this all affected it a little. (…) From the outside looking in, I think he did well. He didn't try to get around it or anything. He called him responsible, paid the price and, now, the page has turned,” he said.
Challenges for the return
One of the biggest names in recent bantamweight history, Dillashaw returns this weekend to regain the belt, taken away after his conviction. Present at the North American's preparation, Furão spoke about the challenges that his pupil will face in returning to action after so long away from professional fights.
“He is a very experienced guy. He didn't sit still 100%, he stayed active in training. Certainly, when it comes to a high-level sport, like the UFC, consistency is an advantage. A guy who takes a break, you never know how he's going to come back, if he's going to feel anything at first,” he said.
Fight against Sandhagen
This Saturday, TJ will have a trial by fire in his comeback challenge. The former champion will trade forces against, nothing more, nothing less, than the current number two in the rankings. Thus, Philipe analyzed the confrontation between the student against Sandhagen.
“They trained together in Colorado (USA) for many years. Nowadays, they are no longer friends. (…) There are two tops in the category. He is a very tough opponent, who has already proven that he has great stability in the division. Won from Frankie Edgar. Marlon moraes. He's had good performances, but I think TJ is more complete. Regardless of where he fights, TJ will have an advantage, especially on the ground. (…) He’s very good at jiu-jitsu. (…) We want him to win, but, as the jiu-jitsu coach, I can say that he is well prepared so that, if he falls to the ground, he has a good chance of submitting with a choke”, he described.
Belt dispute
Champion of the category between 2017 and 2019, Dillashaw could put himself in great condition to try to get his old title, if he wins at the weekend. The plan goes against Furão's thoughts, who welcomes his pupil's chance to reach the top of the roosters.
“If he wins this fight on Saturday, he will definitely fight for the belt. Behind the scenes, this is already being talked about. (…) What happened in the fight (between Petr yan e aljamain sterling, which ended in the Russian's disqualification), if that hadn't happened, TJ would have already fought for the belt. As he will have the rematch, he didn't want to wait. Whoever wins (in the UFC Las Vegas 32), will fight for the belt”, he concluded.
Athletes' history
At 35 years old, Dillashaw is heading towards his 21st appearance as a professional in MMA. Today, the North American has 16 triumphs and four setbacks.
In his 17th commitment to the sport, Sandhagen will try to extend his good phase and once again get closer to his dream of competing for the title. Currently, the 29-year-old American has 14 wins and two negative results in his career.
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