Short clips of T.J Dillashaw sharing the ring with one of the best boxers in the world in Vasyl Lomachenko emerged online recently.
Considering the attention those initial clips received, ESPN made the decision to release more footage of the 4-round sparring session, which you can check out above.
“I need to learn what’s up,” said Dillashaw in the video. “I’m always trying to expand my knowledge as a mixed martial artist. I’m such a big fan [of Lomachenko], I wouldn’t pass this opportunity up. Even if I get obliterated, it’s something I’ll remember forever.”
Lomachenko is widely regarded as one of the best in the business and is tipped to be the #1 pound for pound boxer in the world in the not-too-distant future. Needless to say, the two-time Olympic Gold medalist, who is arguably the best amateur boxer of all time, came out better than the former UFC bantamweight champion:
“I don’t like, he punch my head a couple times,” Lomachenko said. “When we start sparring, I started a little bit relaxed, little bit not serious. Then he punch a couple times in my head, I think, ‘Oh, OK. Let’s go.'”
“I just got my ass whooped,” Dillashaw said with a laugh after the workout. “Just his awareness, his cardio, and his pace, just how smart he spars — he’s definitely on another level.”
Dillashaw may be the first UFC fighter to see Lomachenko up close, but may not be the last. The WBO super-featherweight champion recently offered an invitation to spar with UFC superstar Conor McGregor in order to “show him boxing skills”, but McGregor is yet to accept.
