Three years after being suspended for doping, TJ Dillashaw will fight this weekend for the title in his category. The opportunity to look at the other leaders of the organization, who before him, have been singled out once or (several times) by USADA. UFC 280: Sterling vs.
Dillashaw In the co-main event of UFC 280, TJ Dillashaw will enter the octagon as a challenger to the bantamweight belt, held by Aljamain Sterling. A title shot obtained following his victorious return against Cory Sandhagen, in July 2021, after an extremely close fight which he won by split decision. One and only fight, five rounds of five minutes, and here is the former champion again at the top of his category, in co-main event of one of the events of this end of the year, only three years after being suspended following to a positive doping test.
A situation that some consider infuriating, even if far from unprecedented. Indeed, long before the protege of Duane Ludwig, other fighters were caught up by the patrol led by Jeff Novitzky, USADA, the American anti-doping agency. One or more positive tests for prohibited substances, different justifications, for different career sequences. Jon Jones:
Former light-heavyweight champion This is the most famous case, which still divides fans, due to the eternal debate about the best fighter of all time. A race for the title of the GOAT which, for a time, seemed to be largely overtaken by ‘Bones’, before this one began a descent into hell mixing drugs, positive tests, and extra-sporting affairs.
Between 2015 and 2019, Jon Jones will accumulate numerous positive tests for cocaine, as well as several substances prohibited by USADA, including Turinabol, following his rematch against Daniel Cormier, or even before his return against Alexander Gustafsson. , where he will eventually be allowed to fight. A series of events that cast great doubt on his crowning as the greatest fighter of all time.
Anderson Silva: Former Middleweight Champion
Another fight game legend, having since hung up his MMA gloves to put on his boxing ones. A few years after the end of his reign at middleweight, the Brazilian will test positive for two different steroids following his victory over Nate Diaz in 2015, then a second time in 2017. Anderson Silva will receive a one-year suspension as well than a fine of $380,000.
Tim Sylvia: Former Heavyweight Champion
In September 2003, at UFC 44, Tim Sylvia defended his heavyweight belt for the first time against Gan McGee. A win by TKO in the first round, followed by a positive test for a substance derived from a steroid, forcing him to vacate his belt. The fighter will not look for an excuse, and will be fined $10,000 and suspended for six months. It should also be noted that other fighters who proudly wore one of the organization’s belts on their shoulders also fell into USADA’s nets, but for substances other than steroids, or during a period when they did not were not under contract with the UFC. This is the case of Brock Lesnar, Vitor Belfort or even Cris Cyborg.
