The co-main event of UFC 280 sees the bantamweight title on the line as reigning champion Aljamain Sterling takes on former champion T.J. Dillashaw.
Sterling’s reign at 135 pounds began in controversial circumstances as he claimed the belt via disqualification – the first and so far only fighter to have won a belt this way – with victory over Petr Yan. But he eliminated any doubts in his rematch as he claimed the decision win to cement himself as the man to beat at bantamweight.
Stepping up to try to do just that is former champion T.J. Dillashaw, who is looking to return to the top of the sport after a USADA ban for EPO usage damaged his reputation and cast doubt over his previous reign at 135 pounds.
Dillashaw has served his time, regrouped, and is now back on form. And on Saturday night in Abu Dhabi he hopes to dethrone Sterling and return to the top of the division he once ruled.
Ahead of the bantamweight title bout, check out the UFC’s Countdown show as they go behind the scenes with both camps ahead of their upcoming title clash in the desert.
