Aljamain Sterling defeats wounded TJ Dillashaw to retain UFC title

At the UFC 280 co-main event on Saturday in the United Arab Emirates, bantamweight champion Aljamain Sterling earned a second-round TKO win over a compromised TJ Dillashaw. This win brings an added layer of credibility to Sterling as the champion of the bantamweight division.

Sterling started the fight with a bang, then he came out aggressively and wasted no time taking him down. Dillashaw in the opening moments of the fight and seemingly injured the former champion’s shoulder. Dillashaw, 36, appeared to be dealing with a left shoulder injury throughout the fight.

The 33-year-old dominated the round, going from mount to back control, threatening with rear-naked choke attempts and ground-and-pound throughout the round. When Dillashaw survived the blow somehow then Sterling get back at it again, giving him no chances to response and recover. The shoulder clearly was still bothering him, and he had no answer as Sterling simply bulldozed the challenger and drew the finish in the second round.

TENSE SCENES. Dillashaw's corner popping his shoulder back into place between rounds! 😳

🖥️ Watch #UFC280 LIVE NOW on BT Sport Box Office! pic.twitter.com/iYy3nXCfhE

— UFC Europe (@UFCEurope) October 22, 2022

Aljamain Sterling's four takedowns landed in less than two rounds already ties for the most TJ Dillashaw has ever given up in a UFC fight (prev.; four by Cruz in 5 rounds). #UFC280

— Michael Carroll (@MJCflipdascript) October 22, 2022

The former two-time champion’s corner popped his shoulder back into place before the second frame, but it quickly appeared to become compromised again. With TJ unable to protect himself, Sterling pounced to earn his second title defense and eighth straight win.

When Aljamain was asked about the fight after the match, he said, “I’m worried about ‘Mr. Needle-shaw’ right now.” When he was asked about his rival Yan, he said, “I’m not worried about him.” “He wins his fight, I win my fight. We’ll see what happens,” he replied. Regardless of what the UFC does next, Sterling has proved he’s the legitimate king of the bantamweight division.