Former UFC Champion To Get Title Shot After Returning From Two Year Suspension

Former UFC bantamweight champion TJ Dillashaw is in line to receive an immediate title shot after serving his suspension.

Dillashaw was handed a two year suspension by the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) last April after failing a drug test following his loss to Henry Cejudo in January 2019.

As a result, he had to relinquish his bantamweight title which he had held for over a year.

The 34-year-old has served half of his ban and is eligible to return in January 2021, and his comeback fight could see him regain his championship.

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"I was told I would get that title fight when I came back but that doesn't mean anything," Dillashaw told MMA Junkie.

"I made a mistake - I don't own rights to anything. But if it was my choice, it would be title fight, if not top-five to prove I should get that title fight. I think that makes sense.

"I'm hoping they just throw me to the dogs. If I can't get that title fight, I want someone in the top five so that I can get my title fight. I'm not here to play around. I want my belt back. It's still mine. I'll be ready."

The former Ultimate Fighter finalist tested positive for erythropoietin (EPO) but has said he is feeling positive after some time out of the limelight.

"At first it was super tough," Dillashaw stated. "Then I went through two shoulder surgeries back-to-back, so that kind of added to it. Down in the dumps. On the top of the world, then down as far to the bottom as you can get.

"It was tough. I'm not going to lie. I would be lying if I said it wasn't. At first it was real, real tough. But I've always been mentally strong.

"I work my ass off and this has actually been - I wouldn't choose to do this - but one of the best breaks I've had ever. I've got to focus on other parts of my life.

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"I did something I highly regret and I've owned up to it and paid the price for it. I hate to say it's a blessing in disguise, because I would never choose to do it again, but it is."

What do you think of Dillashaw potentially receiving an immediate title shot upon his return?

Let us know in the comments.

Topics: UFC News, MMA News, UFC, MMA

Daniel Marland

Daniel is a journalist for SPORTbible and he has previous experience with Manchester United. He has spoken to some of the biggest names in sport including Rio Ferdinand, Peter Crouch, WWE COO Triple H and WWE legend The Undertaker. May or may not do a decent impression of Jamie Carragher.

@DanMarland_