Huge news for the bantamweight division, as Dana White confirmed that the UFC is looking to make TJ Dillashaw fight for the no.1 contender spot as his comeback fight. TJ Dillashaw is a former two-time bantamweight champion, he lost the belt due to being positive for EPO.
Dana White says UFC is working on a bantamweight No. 1 contender fight involving TJ Dillashaw.
(via @bokamotoESPN) pic.twitter.com/TbzCHa92v1
— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) March 5, 2021
The current title-holder, Petr Yan will be defending his belt against Aljamain Sterling at UFC 259. According to the betting odds, the title fight will be a 50/50 pick’em even fight. The UFC is planning to make the next title contender fight which might be the winner of Dillashaw vs Sandhagen (if booked).
It is certainly a good match-making as to gauge where does Dillashaw belong in the rankings considering he was a former champion, but is coming off a 2-year suspension. Most fans would think that he does not deserve to fight for the title immediately since he is coming off a loss and popped for a performance-enhancing drug.
It also makes sense for both sides to accept the fight. Dillashaw wants a highly ranked fighter so that he could fight for the title as soon as possible and Sandhagen is the highest ranked available. For Sandhagen, Dillashaw is a huge name in the bantamweight, and one of the most accomplished in the division’s history. Whoever wins will surely fight for the title.
Although no official announcement as of the moment, Sandhagen has confirmed that he was offered to fight Dillashaw next. It is also worth noting that Sandhagen and Dillashaw had trained before in their rise, so they know each other’s style and weaknesses.
Clip of Cory Sandhagen confirming the UFC has offered him TJ Dillashaw for a no. 1 contenders spot pic.twitter.com/Vtqm0BpMQr
— 𝑻𝒉𝒆𝑰𝒛𝒛𝒚𝑩𝒊𝒃𝒍𝒆 🇳🇬🥋 (@SugaBible) March 5, 2021
The bantamweight division is just stacked with talent, and it is one of the most underrated divisions. There is still big names like Jose Aldo, Cody Garbrandt and many other more.
