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“Your Time Ain’t Done”: MMA World in Disbelief as Former Bantamweight Champ TJ Dillashaw Announces His Retirement

Published 04/12/2023, 6:48 AM EDT

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TJ Dillashaw was a fighter right to the core. The former UFC bantamweight champion saw many crests and troughs in his career, but fans still remember him for his performances. His career started in 2011 and ended after UFC 280. He is not on the UFC roster anymore and it seems he may never fight again. The shoulder injury he has been dealing with for some time now is still far from being completely healed. In a recent Instagram post, TJ Dillashaw hinted at his plans and shared updates on his shoulder.

Fans had a lot to say to their favorite fighter. While some sent him best wishes for the life ahead, others suggested some really interesting career choices that he could look towards. Fans, however, seem to remember him only for his good performances.

TJ Dillashaw still fighting his injury

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While Dillashaw mentioned how he was still dealing with his shoulder injury, he suggested he could take up Golf after retiring. The post’s caption read, “Haven’t told many people but I have to go under the knife again for surgery because my first surgery didn’t take. Being told that my shoulder will never be good enough to compete again is hard to hear.” 

 

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A post shared by TJ Dillashaw (@tjdillashaw)

Fans wished him the best for the future. A fan commented, Champions don’t retire, they simply move on to conquer the next challenge.”

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Another fan asked Dillashaw to make a comeback. The user wrote, TJ you are not retired,m. Get that arm healed up, and make the biggest comeback in history. Your time ain’t done, heal up my boy. I wanna see you return.”

Other fans suggested some very interesting alternate careers for Dillashaw. A fan commented,“Only need one good shoulder to elk hunt bro!!” Another suggested, Nows the time to do some bass fishin and huntin.”

“Trying to Use That [Conor] McGregor Loophole” – UFC Fans Suspect Injured T.J. Dillashaw’s Retirement

Few fans thanked Dillashaw for all the entertainment he has been serving for years. A comment said, Thanks for the ride. It was a pleasure to watch you doing your thing. Lfg, Killashaw forever.”

Another said, “Better to have been a champ than to have never been one at all! One day you will heal and be. %100 again amen champ.” Fans also acknowledged Dillashaw for his work ethic. A fan commented, All good champ!! You’re destined for greatness in whatever you do because of your work ethic.”

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Shoulder injury shortened TJ Dillashaw’s career

TJ Dillashaw was once running on a great streak. He was unbeaten from 2016 to 2018. He won the UFC bantamweight championship during this period, defeating Cody Garbrandt. He followed it up by defending it in a re-match. Things, however, started getting more difficult after the title defense. Henry Cejudo knocked him within seconds in the first round. He recovered with a win against Cory Sandhagen but lost to Aljamain Sterling at UFC 280 in October 2022 after his shoulder popped out twice in the fight.

via Getty

Fans will hope Dillashaw recovers and starts his second innings. The champion has seen a full career and will have a lot more to look forward to in his personal life. Do you think TJ Dillashaw can make a comeback?

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Written by:

Akshay Pallav

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Akshay Pallav is a UFC writer at EssentiallySports. He is passionate about MMA and is dedicated to producing high-quality content that is both informative and engaging for readers. Akshay has extensive experience covering the sport, including interviewing top stars like Marlon Moraes and Sage Northcutt.
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Edited by:

Rohini Kottu