TJ Dillashaw reveals his desire to face 'legend' José Aldo, but wants to regain the belt first

T. Dillashaw in a post-event press conference. Photo: Reproduction/YouTube

After defeating his compatriot in a very convincing way, Peter Munhoz No. UFC 265, José Aldo selected TJ Dillashaw as an ideal opponent for your next fight. The challenge caught the attention of the former bantamweight champion (up to 61,2 kg), who praised the Brazilian and assured that he would love to face him, but only after regaining the division's belt.

See too

Video – Bruno Cappelozza ignores favorite status and points the way to reaching the PFL Grand Prix final

Vicente Luque highlights evolution and opens the door to a rematch with Leon Edwards

At 43, Rampage Jackson opens the door to a possible 'last return' to MMA

“Yes, I liked the challenge. I would love to face José Aldo. He is a legend of our sport and we can do this after I get my belt back”, said Dillashaw while appearing on the Submission Radio program.

Former Ultimate bantamweight champion, TJ Dillashaw lost the category belt after being caught in an anti-doping test for using the substance EPO in 2019. After two years of suspension, the North American returned in July this year, defeating Cory Sandhagen by split decision and taking first place in the division rankings.

“I was challenged by every fighter in the top 5, if not the top 10, after they won a fight before I came back and faced Sandhagen. I swear they all challenged me, because it makes sense. After all, I'm the true champion of the category and they're trying to build their name on me, thinking that I wouldn't be the same fighter for being out for two years. Sandhagen made this mistake and now he will have to start over again to try to win the title”, said the former champion.

Currently recovering from knee surgery, Dillashaw awaits the opportunity to face the winner of the title fight between aljamain sterling e Petr yan, which measure forces in the UFC 267. If he wins the title, TJ stated that he would like to have José Aldo as the first challenger.

“I mean, Aldo's name alone makes it interesting, right? I would love that fight. So yes, maybe it will be my first fight as champion, because he is a legend of the sport. I remember him in the WEC before I even had my first professional fight. He was facing Urijah faber when I was training there, so the guy has been on top of the world for a long time. It would be a great fight”, concluded Dillashaw.