Aljamain ‘Funkmaster’ Sterling is set to face former bantamweight champion TJ Dillashaw on Saturday in Abu Dhabi. Funkmaster will be hoping to defend his belt for a second time against a dangerous opponent in Dillashaw. TJ, coming off a win over Corey Sandhagen in July 2021, will be hoping to take back his 135lb belt and not let his recent past define him.
After a two-year suspension, TJ Dillashaw is determined to take back the belt he was stripped of back in 2019. Aljamain Sterling stands in his way.
Aljamain Sterling
Sterling first won the bantamweight belt in strange circumstances. After Petr Yan landed an illegal knee to Aljamain’s head in 2021, the champion had the belt wrapped around his waist for the first time in the UFC. Since then, Sterling has recovered from neck surgery and defending his belt against Yan. This time, however, Sterling won via decision. A close-knit fight in which Aljo looked completely different to his first performance against the Russian. Landing vital takedowns on Yan arguably won him the fight. This weekend’s bout between Sterling and Dillashaw was slated for September before being moved to UFC 280.
Sterling has had since March to prepare for this belt and hopes to move to 21-3. If the Jamaican-born fighter is to win on Saturday, his next opponent won’t be too far from the action. Dana White confirmed that the bout between Sean O’Malley and Petr Yan would be a number one contender fight for the 135lb belt. A possible trilogy bout with old foe Petr Yan will be an intriguing fight, as would a bout between Aljo and ‘Suga’ Sean O’Malley. First, however, Aljo will have to get past the devastating ability of TJ Dillashaw.
TJ Dillashaw
TJ Dillashaw is one of the most impressive fighters the UFC has ever seen. He has fought a who’s who of competition. In 2019 however, Dillashaw was suspended for two years by USADA. The bantamweight tested positive for EPO after his Flyweight bout against Henry Cejudo. The 36-year-old is determined not to let the ban define him. After being cleared in 2021, he had a high-quality performance over Corey Sandhagen. Questions were raised if TJ should fight again before getting a chance at the belt. The UFC decided to give the former champion a title fight straight away.
In the two years, Dillashaw was out, a new wave of top contenders entered the bantamweight division. This will be the first time TJ and Aljamain will have faced each other. Dillashaw has been seen drilling various wrestling techniques and taking part in heavy spars during his camp. Showing that the American is not underestimating the ability of his upcoming opponent. If TJ is to reclaim his belt, a bout between him and Yan or O’Malley is something the entire MMA community can get behind. Having proved there is no ring rust for TJ, his title fight will be a high-level fight between two world-class athletes.
Prediction
TJ Dillashaw may be on the back end of his 30s, but he still looks incredible. Although Aljamain proved he is championship level, Dillashaw has been preparing for this for too long. Aljamain Sterling Vs TJ Dillashaw will end via a decision in favour of Dillashaw.
Featured image credits to Embed from Getty Images
