In a recent conversation, Aljamain Sterling openly accused TJ Dillashaw of cheating throughout his UFC career, emphasizing long-held suspicions that were only confirmed after Dillashaw’s failed drug test. Sterling, a former bantamweight champion and veteran UFC fighter, referred to Dillashaw as a “lying cheat” while discussing their 2022 bout where Sterling retained his title at 135 pounds.
The fight is notable for Dillashaw suffering a serious shoulder injury midway, which Sterling used as an opportunity to secure a technical knockout. Sterling described landing punches on Dillashaw during that fight as a defining moment in his career, underscoring the personal satisfaction he felt in their championship encounter.
Sterling’s Offense: Calling Out a Cheating History
Aljamain Sterling expressed his disdain straightforwardly, stating,
“I just know he’s a cheat. He’s a lying cheat. ‘Oh no, I only got caught that time.’ Yeah, you only got caught that time. Your teammate outed you before the fight. I always heard the rumblings that he was cheating, but I couldn’t say anything until he got caught. He got caught, so now I can say everything I want to say.”
Aljamain Sterling, via Home of Fight
These remarks reflect Sterling’s frustration with Dillashaw’s ability to deny repeated accusations despite a history marred by doping violations. Sterling highlighted that rumors had circulated within the fighting community for years, but official sanctions gave him the basis to speak openly.
TJ Dillashaw’s Successful Yet Controversial Wrestling Career
Dillashaw is widely recognized as one of the most dangerous bantamweight fighters in UFC history, having claimed the championship and defended the title twice during his career. His high level of skill and achievements made him a formidable presence in the 135-pound division.
However, Dillashaw’s legacy has been heavily tainted by multiple doping violations. In 2019, shortly after his flyweight title fight, Dillashaw tested positive for erythropoietin (EPO) and was subsequently suspended for two years by the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA). This suspension forced him to vacate his championship, raising questions about the integrity of his previous accomplishments.
Following his shoulder injury sustained during the fight with Sterling, Dillashaw announced difficulties with arm mobility and indicated that this injury likely ends his professional fighting career. This development marks a significant turning point for Dillashaw, whose competitive future now appears uncertain.
Aljamain Sterling Offers to Fill in at UFC London
The bantamweight division is buzzing with contenders eager to challenge for the title held by Alexander Volkanovski. One of the most anticipated upcoming clashes is the UFC London event featuring Movsar Evloev against Lerone Murphy. Both fighters are seen as leading candidates to earn a future shot at the championship belt.
Amid the anticipation, Sterling has publicly volunteered to be a backup fighter in case one of the main participants is unable to compete. He questioned Evloev’s reliability, noting history of fight cancellations and instability with weight cuts, which often disrupted Evloev’s fight bookings.
“I’m trying to throw my name to be a backup for that London card. Movsar is one of the most unreliable guys that pulls out of how many fights? Usually it’s him.”
Aljamain Sterling
By stepping forward as an alternate, Sterling seeks to remain active within the division and maintain his standing among the top contenders, possibly positioning himself for another title challenge.
Concerns Surrounding Movsar Evloev’s Consistency and Title Prospects
Movsar Evloev has encountered several setbacks over the years, including fight cancellations and issues related to weight management. Although many believe he deserves a title opportunity, the UFC has not yet matched him against champion Alexander Volkanovski despite the latter’s public support. The upcoming matchup with Lerone Murphy serves as a critical step toward solidifying Evloev’s claim as the next top contender.
Volkanovski has predicted an impressive win for Evloev in the eliminator bout, but the outcome will significantly influence the trajectory of the bantamweight division and determine who faces the champion next. The UFC London event is poised to shape the future landscape of this weight class.
Implications for the UFC Bantamweight Division and Fighter Legacies
The ongoing tensions between Aljamain Sterling and TJ Dillashaw highlight deeper issues within the UFC, particularly surrounding fairness and integrity. Sterling’s accusations and Dillashaw’s history with banned substances provoke debate about how such controversies affect the legitimacy of fighters’ careers and titles.
Moreover, the uncertainty regarding Dillashaw’s future and Sterling’s eagerness to remain relevant as a backup fighter demonstrate the intense competition and unpredictability within the bantamweight division. Emerging contenders like Evloev and Murphy are entering the spotlight, making this a pivotal moment for championship contention.
As the UFC London fight card approaches, fans and analysts alike await the outcomes that will likely redefine the pecking order in the bantamweight ranks, shaping title narratives and rivalries for the coming years.
https://twitter.com/RedCorner_MMA/status/2021054065673965811
😬👀Aljamain Sterling calls Movsar Evloev “the most unreliable guy” and wants to be a back up fighter for #UFCLondon:
“I’m trying to throw my name to be a backup for that London card. Movsar is one of the most unreliable guys that pulls out of how many fights? Usually it’s him.”… pic.twitter.com/9wgxd5rJD8
— Home of Fight (@Home_of_Fight) February 10, 2026
