TJ Dillashaw names his toughest opponent, overlooking UFC’s GOAT and former dual champion
TJ Dillashaw has faced a gauntlet of elite competition throughout his run in the UFC bantamweight division. Fans and analysts often mention names like Dominick Cruz—often called the division’s greatest of all time—and former dual champion Henry Cejudo as some of the biggest challenges at 135 pounds. But when Dillashaw was recently asked about the toughest opponent he’s ever faced, his surprising answer wasn’t either of those giants.
An Unexpected Choice
After a career-defining victory at UFC 173, where Dillashaw shocked the world by dethroning the dominant champion Renan Barao, he defended his belt in ten more Octagon appearances. During this journey, Dillashaw clashed with top names like Cody Garbrandt and Cruz, facing intense rivalries and high-stakes matchups at the peak of the division.
Yet, none of those battles topped his list. On a recent episode of the Overdogs Podcast, Dillashaw singled out Cory Sandhagen as the most formidable adversary he’s ever faced. “That guy’s a ninja. His striking is insane,” Dillashaw explained. He recounted early training days at Team Elevation, being immediately wowed by a young and virtually unknown Sandhagen.
The Reasoning Behind Dillashaw’s Choice
According to Dillashaw, their fight upon his return in July 2021—after more than two years away—was a brutal, razor-close war. Dillashaw survived major adversity to edge out Sandhagen by split decision, and he remembers the former training partner as one of the most technically skilled fighters he’s seen: “The guy’s amazing. I’d love to see him get the win because he’s a great human being. His skills are insane, I think he’d be a great champion.”
What Makes Sandhagen Special?
Observers point out that Sandhagen, now 32, has developed a reputation for outlandish creativity and technical finesse inside the cage. “He brings something different. His movement, unorthodox striking, and constant evolution make him a nightmare matchup,” said one UFC analyst.
Dillashaw also referenced Sandhagen’s potential for championship gold, but acknowledged an uphill challenge in the form of Merab Dvalishvili. “Merab has the exact skills that are his kryptonite, the pace, the wrestling … it’s tiring,” Dillashaw noted, reflecting on Sandhagen’s next big hurdle.
Perspectives from the MMA World
Some fight fans and pundits argue that the likes of Cruz or Cejudo still represent the highest tier of bantamweight greatness, but pros like Dillashaw know firsthand how styles and personal experience steer these rankings. The narrow split decision against Sandhagen, after years away from the Octagon, perhaps gave Dillashaw a unique perspective on the new generation’s danger.
While debates over the true “GOAT” of the bantamweight division continue, TJ Dillashaw’s honest assessment of Cory Sandhagen’s skill set offers a reminder: greatness in the UFC isn’t always about résumé—sometimes, it’s about the fight itself and the challenges it brings, even against an opponent who hasn’t (yet) claimed the title of champion.
Source: bloodyelbow.com