Former UFC bantamweight champion, T.J. Dillashaw is set to return to the UFC Octagon this weekend as he takes on cream of the crop contender Cory Sandhagen. Dillashaw hasn’t competed since his 2019 loss to Henry Cejudo. He was caught for substance abuse and was suspended subsequently.
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The period of his ban is now over and the former champion is set for a return to the UFC Octagon. The duo was set to fight at an earlier date. But that has been backtracked and the duo will eventually clash this weekend. Dillashaw is now 35 and many have questioned whether he is still the fighter that he once was.
Well, fans won’t have to wait much longer for those answers. However, ‘Sandman’ is an electric fighter in his own right. He is more than capable of spoiling the return for Dillashaw.
Cory Sandhagen vs T.J. Dillashaw: A detailed overview
Dillashaw has a professional record of 16-4. He has won 4 out of his last 5 fights inside the Octagon. Since his split decision loss to Dominick Cruz, Dillashaw was on a 4-fight streak. 2 of his wins came against another former champion in Cody Garbrandt. Both of those fights ended by the way of knockout. He is a two-time champion of the 135 lbs division.
Sandhagen, on the other hand, is on a roll at the bantamweight division of the UFC. Since joining the promotion in 2018, ‘Sandman’ has won all of his fights bar one. His only loss was against the current champion, Aljamain Sterling. 5 of his 7 wins have come via finishes.
However, it’s his last 2 fights against Franke Edgar and Marlon Moraes that have been the showcase of his real talent. The spectacular finishes in both the fights are worthy of being part of any highlight reel. Something similar to that caliber will well and truly make ‘Sandman’ the next in line for a shot at the bantamweight gold.
