American · Alameda, California, USA · Born 7 February 1986Pioneered a new-school movement-based bantamweight style, twice won UFC gold, and was later suspended for a doping violation.
TJ Dillashaw made his UFC debut in 2011 after appearing on The Ultimate Fighter, initially struggling before developing into one of the bantamweight division's most dynamic strikers. In May 2014, he pulled off one of the biggest upsets in UFC history, stopping heavily favored champion Renan Barao to win the UFC Bantamweight Championship at UFC 173. Dillashaw defended the title twice, including a knockout of late-replacement challenger Joe Soto and a rematch win over Barao, before losing the belt via split decision to Dominick Cruz in January 2016 in a fight many considered a toss-up. He reclaimed the championship in November 2017 with a knockout of Cody Garbrandt, later repeating the finish in their rematch. In 2019, Dillashaw challenged flyweight champion Henry Cejudo in an attempt to become a two-division champion, but suffered a 32-second knockout loss and simultaneously tested positive for a banned substance in pre- and post-fight drug screenings. He was stripped of his bantamweight title and given a two-year suspension by USADA. Dillashaw returned from suspension in 2021, beating Cory Sandhagen before losing his final title bid to Aljamain Sterling. He retired in 2022 with a 17-5 record, regarded by many as one of the two greatest bantamweights in UFC history alongside Dominick Cruz, having knocked out both Barao and Garbrandt twice each.
Former two-time UFC Bantamweight Champion who upset Renan Barão in 2014
How They Played
Dynamic, technical striker with excellent footwork and finishing instincts
Lasting Impact
Regarded by many as one of the two greatest bantamweights in UFC history, alongside Dominick Cruz
Career Honours
- UFC Bantamweight Championship two times, 2014, 2017
- 3 total successful title defenses
American Athletes