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Former UFC bantamweight champion T.J. Dillashaw is all set to make his UFC return after serving a two-year USADA suspension. Dillashaw has been eligible to compete since January 2021 and is finally set to scrap against Cory Sandhagen. Both men are facing off for title contention at UFC Vegas 32 in a bout that is set to be very decisive.

Heading into the contest, T.J. Dillashaw spoke to ESPN’s Brett Okamoto and went through a gauntlet of questions. Chiefly, he was also asked to comment on Conor McGregor’s recent defeat at UFC 264 and Dillashaw’s perspective on the matter is unique. T.J. Dillashaw and Conor McGregor had an infamous run-in on TUF, however, his views on McGregor’s defeat suggest that their beef is squashed.

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“It kinda sucks to see him [Conor McGregor] go down the way it did. I want to see that fight ending with a healthy bodies. You never want to see a guy break his leg, that’s just so unfortunate. Now’s the time I want to root for him the most because he’s on the lowest low, coming off some losses, coming off a broken leg.”

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“I’m like the opposite of what I think a normal fan would do. Fans are going to ride with him when he’s on his highs but I’m rooting for him to come back and prove himself again.”

T.J. Dillashaw: On the path back to the top

Many fans believe that after McGregor’s infamous ‘Snake in the Grass’ line, T.J. Dillashaw would forever have a bone to pick with the Irishman. However, after Dillashaw’s trying ordeal with USADA, it seems as though he’s focused on his own career. Not to mention, it’s hard to root against someone who suffered a potential career-ending injury.

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The former Team Alpha Male stand-out certainly needs to be dialed into his own training camp before his return fight. Sandhagen is a dangerous title contender who can very easily make short work of any bantamweight.

Also Read: ‘I Feel Nothing For You Bums’- Conor McGregor Fires Back at His Critics After the Loss to Dustin Poirier

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Not to mention, there are a lot of questions regarding T.J. Dillashaw’s return as he’s had a long layoff. Fighters usually never return the same after a USADA suspension and everyone will be watching his performance with an eagle-eyed lens.

Read this story: UFC Champions Who Never Successfully Defended Their Belts

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