Former UFC bantamweight champion TJ Dillashaw has finally commented on his failed drug test and two-year suspension from the U.S. Anti Doping Agency (USADA). Dillashaw had remained silent following his positive sample that was submitted to the New York State Athletic Commission (NYSAC) one day before his flyweight title fight against Henry Cejudo.
Dillashaw ultimately lost the fight via TKO in just 32 seconds, but it is the failed drug test that truly damages his legacy.
And after some initial silence, he is now ready to face the public.
Dillashaw shared a lengthy video statement on his Instagram account Friday morning where he appeared to admit to knowingly using the banned substance 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.
EPO helps stimulate the body’s production of red blood cells, which increases oxygen transport and aerobic power in the body. As a result, it increases endurance and delays fatigue which allows an athlete to keep up a high pace for a longer period of time.
“I messed up,” Dillashaw said. “I’m having a hard time trying to forgive myself for this, which I should have a hard time. i should have a hard time forgiving myself. I understand the criticism and the scrutiny coming my way.
“This won’t be the end of me, I’ll be back. I’m making you the promise right now that I’ll be back better, be back stronger. And I’ll prove that the hard work I put in got me where I’m at and not the bad decision that I made. All I can do to redeem myself is work hard.”
You can watch the full statement below.
Dillashaw will not be eligible to return to action until January 2021.
