Former UFC champion TJ Dillashaw has been suspended for two years by the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) following a failed drug test administered on January 18, according to a report from TMZ Sports. The failed drug test came just one day before the Team Alpha Male standout challenged UFC flyweight champion Henry Cejudo for the 125-pound title at Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York.
Dillashaw reportedly tested positive for Erythropoietin — aka EPO, “a synthetic hormone that’s considered a cleaner alternative to blood doping” which “is often used by athletes to increase oxygen transport and aerobic power,” according to USADA.
In March, Dillashaw announced that he would be vacating the bantamweight title after being flagged by the doping agency for his test. While Dillashaw did not go into specifics at the time, he did say that he was working to resolve the issue.
“To all my fans, I wanted to be the first one to let you know that USADA and the NYSAC have informed me of an adverse finding in a test taken from my last fight,” Dillashaw wrote on Instagram at the time. “While words can’t even begin to express how disappointed I am at this time, please know that I’m working with my team to understand what has occurred and how to resolve this situation as quickly as possible.
“Out of fairness and respect to the rest of my division, I’ve informed the UFC that I’ll be voluntarily relinquishing my title while I deal with this matter. I want to thank all of you in advance.”
Now, the former bantamweight champion will have to wait until January 2021 if he wants to attempt to reclaim his belt.
Dillashaw most recently competed against flyweight champion Henry Cejudo. During the first round of the championship bout, he was knocked unconscious in just 32 seconds.
