TJ Dillashaw describes acting sensations after two years of suspension

TJ Dillashaw returned to the octagon after two years away Photo: Instagram

Being away from the Octagon for two years had natural consequences in the return fight of TJ Dillashaw. The former bantamweight champion (up to 61,2kg) admitted to having been quite nervous before the clash against Cory Sandhagen and he was demanding with himself when admitting that he can fight better than last Saturday (24).

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“It seemed normal, but I was more nervous. I tried to hide it and say something like, 'I like tension, it feels good,' but I really was nervous. I try really hard not to show it,” said Dillashaw.

Even admitting his nervousness, TJ was demanding of himself when he declared that he could have performed better in the fight against Sandhagen.

“I could have done more. I'm happy with the performance and the victory. But I can do much more than that. (…), nothing he did surprised me. I knew his quality. I knew he would be thin and difficult to hit”, concluded the former champion.

At 35 years old, TJ returned after a two-year suspension for doping. In January 2019, the former leader of the under-61,2kg division admitted to having used the illegal substance 'erythropoietin' to assist in the weight loss process for the duel against Henry Cejudo. The American now has a record of 17 triumphs and four setbacks.