“Trying to Use That [Conor] McGregor Loophole” – UFC Fans Suspect Injured T.J. Dillashaw’s Retirement

Former UFC bantamweight champion TJ Dillashaw announced his retirement from the UFC. This news surprised many. According to the latest reports, the two-time champion has notified the promotion of his decision to retire. The news first broke on Twitter and Dillashaw’s manager later confirmed the same. However, several fans doubt the motive behind this decision. Some even suggested that the former champion might be following Conor McGregor‘s path to deal with his injuries.

The 36-year-old last fought at UFC 280 for the title against current champion Aljamain Sterling. Dillashaw injured his shoulder during the fight, which forced him to undergo extensive surgeries. Following the surgeries, and considering the expected recovery time, Dillashaw went with the decision to retire.

Fans suspect the motive behind Dillashaw’s retirement

Dillashaw‘s retirement came as a surprise to many fans. However, many of them suspected the actual reasons behind his retirement. Some even doubted if he will stay retired or return in the future.

His friend turned foe and fellow bantamweight, Cody Garbrandt said, “Can’t compete like a real man! Had y’all fooled for years.” One fan wrote, “Man, his style really got me interested in fighting more and watching fights more.”

Another fan took a jibe at Dillashaw saying, “Waited to get unbanned just to get a check off a title shot and retire. Guess it’s too hard without epo.”

One fan expressed another opinion saying, “Retires to get out of the testing program. Gets surgery, juices a few cycles and allows his Injuries to heal and then the CEO of EPO is back baby!”

There were a few fans who defended the former champion as well. One of them wrote, “Have some respect man all you couch potatoes just type your feelings away for no good reason.. great career wish you the best man.”

Another said, “People can say what they want, but TJ was a great fighter. TJ from 5 years ago would’ve beat Aljo 💯”

Read More– Suffering Devastating Shoulder Injury at UFC 280, TJ Dillashaw Gives Health Update After Surgery

A few others raised the suspicion that he was following the latest trend set by Conor McGregor. One of them wrote, “@thenotoriousmma starting a trend. TJ just wants out of the USADA Pool then he’ll be back when his cycle is done.”

Similarly, another said, “I’m thinking he might be trying to use that McGregor loophole.” 

While his latest injury fast-tracked this series of events, Dillashaw has had injury woes many times in the past.

The many injuries that plagued TJ Dillashaw

After returning from his suspension in 2021, T.J. Dillashaw secured a victory over Cory Sandhagen at UFC Vegas 42. However, he picked up a nasty knee injury that required surgery. The injury happened in the very first round after an attempted heel hook from Sandhagen.

Prior to the Sandhagen bout, Dillashaw dealt with other injuries during the camp. He mentioned those during the post-fight media scrum. Dillashaw said he suffered an MCL tear and injured his left shoulder during his preparation for Sandhagen.

The left shoulder has been ailing Dillashaw for years now. He underwent extensive surgeries in 2019 while he was serving his two-year suspension by USADA. Back in 2014, he had to undergo surgeries to alleviate the swelling in his left elbow.

Read More– “Jake Paul Just Challenged TJ Dillashaw” – Dominick Cruz, Henry Cejudo & Fans React to ‘Waste of a Title Fight’ With Aljamain Sterling at UFC 280

What do you think about Dillashaw’s decision to retire? Do you think things would have been different if he was not injured so often? Do you expect to see him back fighting in the future? Give us our thoughts in the comments below.