Former 2X champion T.J. Dillashaw managed to get past a motivated Cory Sandhagen at last night’s UFC Vegas 32 main event.
So much mystery surrounded Dillashaw and how he would look after coming off a two-year suspension for banned substances. Since the former champ never lost his bantamweight belt in an actual fight, even Dillashaw admitted himself in the post-fight press conference that he believed his fight with Sandhagen was an informal title fight.
In what is becoming a common theme in his career, Dillashaw faced a lot of adversity en route to his controversial split-decision win. In fact, “The Sandman” set traps so nonchalantly that one of them caught the former champ by surprise. While Dillashaw credits the strike to a previous cut that forced him out of his initial booking with Sandhagen, it seems the two cuts are in different places. Either way, the former 2X bantamweight champ proved why he fights only the elite, even at the age of 35, Dillashaw’s speed and timing were something to behold.
The time and speed Dillashaw put forth in this five-round main event were downright impressive considering he has been out for more than two years. Interestingly, his former foe/ a former champ in Dominick Cruz believes that ‘ring rust’ doesn’t exist, and after Dillashaw’s fight with Sandhagen, it’s certainly a powerful argument, to say the least.
UFC Vegas 32 Highlights
The night was like a cauldron for violence, and with each passing fight, it seemed to only heat up. Opening the main card, a pair of exciting bantamweights in Randy Costa and Adrien Yanez got the night started–FAST.
I came in 2nd place tonight. Glass is always half full. I’ll be back for sureeeee. @yanezmma– great fight bro. I’m really happy for you and looking forward to watching you climb the ranks 🙏🙏
I hope you guys enjoyed the show. That was so much fun! #MMAtwitter 💙 https://t.co/GL3MHCJVWL
— Randy Costa (@RandyCosta135) July 25, 2021
In addition, a pivotal flyweight affair took place between Maycee Barber and Miranda Maverick. The night truly was filled with controversy as many believe that Maverick clearly took rounds 1 & 2, however ultimately “The Future” came out on top. Even on the broadcast, Daniel Cormier admitted that he believed Maverick got the job done.
I had that as a UD 29-28 for @FearTheMAVERICK
— Nina Ansaroff (@NinaAnsaroff) July 25, 2021
Bartender I’ll have 2 🍹 of what them judges were drinking, who judged the Maycee Barber vs Miranda Maverick fight 😬😬😬😂😂😂 #UFCVegas32
— Derek Brunson (@DerekBrunson) July 25, 2021
Live odds for maverick vs barber at the end of the fight was -1200 maverick! She lost wow
— Daniel Cormier (@dc_mma) July 25, 2021
In the end, only the three judges scoring the fight truly matter when it comes to bringing home a check and a fighter’s record respectively.
Pros React To T.J. Dillashaw Securing The Split-Decision Victory
Official decision: TJ Dillashaw (18-4) defeats Cory Sandhagen (14-3) via Split Decision #UFC #UFCVegas32pic.twitter.com/tkiKU6v1MO
— All Access MMA (@AllAccessMMA247) July 25, 2021
WHAT A FREAKIN FIGHT!!!! #UFCVegas32
— Gerald Meerschaert (@The_Real_GM3) July 25, 2021
Let’s run it !!
— Cody Garbrandt (@Cody_Nolove) July 25, 2021
Great main event.. From top to bottom that was one of the best fight night cards I’ve seen! #UFCVegas32
— Shane Burgos (@HurricaneShaneB) July 25, 2021
Incredible main event. TJ with a fantastic comeback performance.
— Anthony Pettis (@Showtimepettis) July 25, 2021
@TJDillashaw showed a lot of heart! Great win! Congrats!!
— Rafael dos Anjos (@RdosAnjosMMA) July 25, 2021
Valid dec. those rounds were razor 🪒 close #UFCVegas32
— Derek Brunson (@DerekBrunson) July 25, 2021
What did you make of the return of T.J. Dillashaw? Let us know!
