>
TJ Dillashaw claims ‘sparring was great’ despite admitting to shouldering 20 times before losing Aljamain Sterling…
- TJ Dillashaw was criticized for going into a title fight while injured
- His shoulder shot out against Aljamain Sterling, leaving him little chance
- American later revealed it had been unplugged more than 20 times before
- But Dillashaw says he’s not retiring and insists ‘sparring was great’
<!–
<!–
<!–
<!–
<!–
<!–
TJ Dillashaw has maintained that his “sparring was great” despite a shoulder injury for UFC 280 and is adamant he will not retire.
The American’s shoulder was dislocated in the opening moments of his defeat to Aljamain Sterling.
After that he could only defend himself stubbornly and eventually lost by TKO in the second round in Abu Dhabi.
Aljamain Sterling defeated TJ Dillashaw after his shoulder dislocated during UFC 280
Dillashaw was criticized for going into battle and robbing someone else of a credible opportunity
Dillashaw, who was previously given a two-year ban after being caught using performance-enhancing drugs, has been criticized for taking the fight in the first place.
He even admitted that his shoulder had dislocated more than 20 times during training since April.
Some speculated that he hid the injury in order to get into the fight and get one last bumper payday from the UFC before retiring.
But the 36-year-old insists he won’t call it a day there and plans to come back after surgery.
Dillashaw tried to fight on with only one functioning arm, but had little chance
“Sparring was fucking awesome,” Dillashaw . said ESPN. “I did great in the camp against high level guys. The Juan Archuletas, the Cub Swansons, guys we brought in. I was right, man.
‘I looked really good. I was in crazy shape. Due to the shoulder situation, I had worked harder on my physical therapy and on strengthening my shoulder.
“The way I was feeling and the things that were going on, it obviously got worse the closer I got to the fight, but man, I was on the point — because I had one arm and that changed my game plan, but I was so focused on the combos I can punch and kick with my right hand that I felt great.
Dillashaw earned a title shot by taking one win after his two-year drug ban
“I don’t feel like my ability has gone anywhere. This sport is a tough one, and then all the bulls**t I go through here and there kills a bit of the fire, but I think my competitive advantage will always drive me.
“So I’m not done yet. You will see me again. I would never go out like that, and when I come back I’ll be back on top.”
Dillashaw now faces a long road back and his recovery could take more than a year. In the meantime, Sterling remains in charge and can meet the returning Henry Cejudo next time.