Former UFC bantamweight champion TJ Dillashaw claims he’s not at all concerned about the reigning champ, Aljamain Sterling. After Sterling defeated Petr Yan via decision at UFC 273, he called Dillashaw out while still in the Octagon. Speaking to ESPN, the former champ claimed that Sterling is far from “championship caliber”, an insult the champ did not take lying down.
““I’m not too worried about Sterling. That callout, it’s a pretty easy fight for me, to be honest.
TJ Dillashaw Slams “Not Championship Caliber” Sterling, Sterling Fires Back at his “Needled Ass”
I think it’s gonna be real good. I mean, congratulations to him, implementing his game plan in the fight. He showed some weaknesses in Yan, but stylistically that fight is perfect for me, so he can say anything he wants, but he ain’t gonna be champion for much longer.
He’s good, don’t get me wrong. He’s got some attributes. He wouldn’t be where he is without being good, but he’s definitely not champion caliber. The guys that I’ve fought already in the past [are] much better than he is, a lot more dangerous.
There’s no danger fighting Sterling. Has he ever even knocked anyone out? I don’t know. I didn’t even look at his record.
It’s a guy that you don’t have to be worried about. There’s no way he’s gonna be out-grappling me. His striking is straight pathetic, so yeah, I’m surprised that he is where he is, and stylistically it’s a great fight for me.”
Aljamain Sterling actually boasts two knockout wins in his professional career, including one in his second-ever UFC fight. Sterling is undoubtedly a grappler, however, as evident by his eight career submissions.
Predictably, the champ was quick to fire back at TJ Dillashaw, never shy of reminding the former champion why he isn’t wearing UFC gold any more.
“.@TJDillashaw who TF have you beaten that is soOoOoo much tougher than the guys I’ve faced? 😂 This is Comedy Central. You should do stand up with @HenryCejudo. He’s your daddy, after he sonned your needled ass💉”
TJ Dillashaw was suspended from the UFC for two years after testing positive for PED use. Dillashaw’s PED use came during his drastic weight cut from bantamweight to flyweight in an attempt to dethrone then-flyweight champion Henry Cejudo and become a two-division champ. Cejudo destroyed that plan when he knocked Dillashaw out 32 seconds into round one.
Should Aljamain Sterling prove his “championship caliber” and take the Dillashaw fight? Let us know in the comments.
