BREAKING: TJ Dillashaw relinquishes belt, suspended for a year
TJ Dillashaw announced just moments ago that he is relinquishing the bantamweight title after USADA and the New York State Athletic Commission found ‘adverse findings’ in his drug tests. The test came from the Henry Cejudo fight, and now it is reported he will be suspended for a year.
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“To all my fans, I wanted to be the first one to let you know that USADA and NYSAC have informed me of an adverse finding in a test taken for my last fight. While words can’t even begin to express how disappointed I am at this time, please know that I’m working with my team to understand what has occurred and how to resolve this situation as quickly as possible. Out of fairness and respect of my division, I’ve informed the UFC that I’ll be voluntarily relinquishing my title while I deal with this matter. I want to thank all you in advance for the support,” Dillashaw wrote on Instagram.
Dillashaw reclaimed the bantamweight title at UFC 217 where he knocked out Cody Garbrandt. Following that, he once again knocked out Garbrandt at UFC 227 in August to defend his title. He then dropped down to flyweight to fight Cejudo where the hope was he would become the champ-champ.
Ultimately, this is a huge blow for what many consider the greatest bantamweight of all-time.
It is also being reported by ESPN’s Ariel Helwani that Dillashaw will be suspended for a year.
TJ Dillashaw has been suspended for a year by the NYSAC, according to sources. A formal announcement is expected to be made this AM. Unclear at this time if he will be suspended longer by USADA but this is a NYSAC and USADA issue. Also unclear what he failed for. Developing.
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) March 20, 2019
“TJ Dillashaw has been suspended for a year by the NYSAC, according to sources. A formal announcement is expected to be made this AM. Unclear at this time if he will be suspended longer by USADA but this is a NYSAC and USADA issue. Also unclear what he failed for. Developing,” Helwani wrote.
The suspension is retroactive to January 19, meaning Dillashaw will be able to return in January 2020. It is unknown what drug he tested positive for or if Dillashaw will be getting an immediate title shot when he returns.
