In a shocking turn of events, T.J. Dillashaw has surrendered the UFC Bantamweight title.
The former bantamweight champion released a statement revealing that the New York State Athletic Commission (NYSAC) and USADA have informed him of an “adverse finding” from a drug test stemming from his loss to Henry Cejudo, who he faced for the flyweight title at UFC Brooklyn in January.
Dillashaw has stated that he relinquished the bantamweight title out of “fairness and respect” for the rest of the division until the situation is cleared up.
Dillashaw was forced to cut major weight for his title fight against Cejudo, dropping nearly thirty pounds, the most he’s ever cut in his career for a fight. The former bantamweight champion is currently serving a one-year suspension and has been fined ten thousand dollars. Shortly after, USADA released a statement confirming Dillashaw’s situation (transcript from MMAfighting):
“In light of Mr. Dillashaw’s social media post this morning, we can confirm that an in-competition test conducted by USADA on January 18, 2019 resulted in an adverse analytical finding. In this instance, we are able to confirm the finding due to Mr. Dillashaw’s public statement. The presumption of innocence under the rules is a vital part of an effective anti-doping program and it’s only fair that Mr. Dillashaw be allowed due process before any conclusions are drawn.”
There’s no word on who’s going to fight for the vacant bantamweight title at the moment. We’ll keep you informed with this situation as it continues to develop.