Former UFC champion TJ Dillashaw recently reignited a past rivalry by labeling Aljamain Sterling`s striking as `pure garbage,` years after their bantamweight title clash at UFC 280.
Despite the significant time passed since their encounter, the former bantamweight division leaders, Aljamain Sterling and TJ Dillashaw, have found themselves trading barbs once more.
At UFC 280, Sterling successfully defended his championship in the co-main event, defeating Dillashaw via TKO. This fight marked Dillashaw`s return to competition following a two-year suspension and a subsequent leg injury sustained in his 2021 bout against Cory Sandhagen.
Even though Sterling secured the victory with decisive ground-and-pound, Dillashaw continues to dismiss the effectiveness of Sterling`s striking abilities.
Dillashaw`s Recent Critique on a Podcast
During a recent appearance on the JAXXON Podcast, Dillashaw reflected on his loss to Sterling, offering a blunt assessment of his opponent.
“I was fighting a guy that I felt like I could still beat with the arm that I had,” Dillashaw stated.
He added, “I felt like I could’ve knocked him out. Yeah, [with one arm].”
Dillashaw`s final jab was direct: “His striking is complete garbage.”
While Sterling is widely recognized for his elite grappling, considered his `bread and butter` throughout his career, his striking has shown notable improvement in recent years, particularly in preparation for his fight with Dillashaw.
Sterling`s Response on Social Media
Dillashaw`s comments quickly gained traction, prompting a swift response from Sterling on the platform X.
“Respect to TJ, but 3 extra arms wouldn’t change that fight outcome. I was bigger and BETTER,” Sterling posted in reply.
He further elaborated, “What’s appears as “garbage” isn’t the same until we step in there and you see firsthand how I beat so many guys.”
Responding to a follower`s comment about Dillashaw`s perceived ego, Sterling suggested the win was particularly meaningful because Dillashaw genuinely believed he would emerge victorious and even secure a knockout. Sterling concluded that Dillashaw`s mistake was simply not realizing he was “out of his league.”
Following the severe shoulder injury suffered during the fight against Sterling at UFC 280, Dillashaw announced his retirement. While he has occasionally teased a potential return, his history of medical issues makes another appearance in the Octagon seem unlikely.
Rupert Hartwell