Former UFC Bantamweight Champion T.J. Dillashaw has denied feeling any advantages while using the banned substance EPO.
Dillashaw, who returns to the promotion this weekend at UFC Vegas 32, was handed a two-year suspension after testing positive for EPO in 2019. The Californian’s failed drug test was discovered following his flyweight title fight against Henry Cejudo at UFC on ESPN+ 1.
Despite being open and transparent about his EPO usage throughout his suspension and the in the lead-up to his return, Dillashaw has claimed that the substance didn’t benefit him.
While speaking at UFC Vegas 32 media day, Dillashaw revealed how bad he felt while using the prohibited PED and even suggested he’d be more than happy for his opponents to take it before facing him.
“I was dying. There’s no way I’d ever go to 125 again again. I would let every one of my opponents take what I was taking. I couldn’t care less because it did not help me,” Dillashaw said. (h/t MiddleEasy)
The former 135-pound champ added that he feels significantly better heading into his fight with Cory Sandhagen than he did leading into his flyweight debut against Cejudo in 2019.
“I actually feel ten times better now, than I did going into that fight. I had to lie to myself and tell myself how great I felt going into it, because you’re a mentally tough, best in the world, pound-for-pound fighter, but to be honest I couldn’t care less if any of those guys are taking what I was doing.”
After over two years away from the Octagon, Dillashaw returns to action this weekend against rising bantamweight star Cory “The Sandman” Sandhagen. Despite facing an opponent who’s riding back-to-back highlight-reel knockouts into their clash, Dillashaw is confident of returning in style and securing a finish.
Below the blockbuster 135-pound main event, the likes of Aspen Ladd, Mickey Gall, Kyler Phillips, Miranda Maverick, and Brendan Allen are all set to be in action in what promises to be another entertaining night inside the UFC Apex.
Do you think T.J. Dillashaw can return to the top of the bantamweight division?
