Former UFC bantamweight champion, TJ Dillashaw, has notified the promotion of his decision to retire from the sport of MMA.
Content creator Michael Wonsover was the first to report the news via a tweet on Monday afternoon, with journalist Ariel Helwani additionally confirming Dillashaw's retirement with his manager Tiki Ghosn. Dillashaw's decision apparently stems from the extensive recovery he's facing from the shoulder injury he suffered against current UFC bantamweight champion, Aljamain Sterling, back at UFC 280 in October.
TJ Dillashaw has decided to retire. The UFC was notified around a week and a half ago. @The_MDubb first reported the news.
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) December 6, 2022
Here’s more, from my car, on what happened: pic.twitter.com/goxUGdgYWw
The 36-year-old Sonora, California native was one of the most decorated 135-pound fighters of all time, holding the record for most KO victories in UFC bantamweight history at seven and the most wins in UFC bantamweight title bouts at five. He fought the likes of Dominick Cruz, Henry Cejudo, Aljamain Sterling, Renan Barão, Cody Garbrandt, Cory Sandhagen, John Lineker, and Raphael Assunção over the course of his run inside the Octagon. Dillashaw was suspended for two years back in April 2019 by USADA for violating the UFC's anti-doping policy, after he tested positive for EPO, which some believe taints his legacy.
Fightful has all of your MMA and Boxing needs covered. Follow us on Twitter for updates, and subscribe to our YouTube channel for exclusive interviews, lists, news updates, and predictions
