“For some reason, I haven't seen him in any of the embedded episodes” - Aljamain Sterling claims T.J. Dillashaw is behaving a “little fishy” likely to avoid getting caught for using PEDs again
At the UFC 280 press conference, Aljamain Sterling claimed that T.J. Dillashaw's absence from recent episodes of the popular UFC Embedded series is a "little fishy."
The former UFC bantamweight champion looks keen on reclaiming his title but will have to be at his best if he wishes to dethrone 'Funk Master'. Prior to popping for an illegal substance, the 36-year-old was regarded by many as the greatest 135er in the history of the sport.
While exchanging words at the UFC 280 press conference, Aljamain Sterling questioned T.J. Dillashaw's whereabouts on the Embedded episodes and subtly accused his upcoming opponent of once again using PEDs.
"Yeah, actually, I got a couple [of] questions. So, you guys are all familiar with the embedded episodes. For some reason, I haven't seen T.J. in any of the embedded episodes, that's how he got caught [by USADA] last time. I wonder if there's something going on again that might be a little fishy, T.J.."
Throughout the build-up to his bantamweight title defense this weekend, Aljamain Sterling has consistently mentioned his opponent's past drug use, something he believes the former Team Alpha Male athlete is still doing.
Since the suspension, Dillashaw has come back and put on a show in a back-and-forth battle against Cory Sandhagen. Showcasing his elite striking and well-rounded style, the NCAA Division I wrestler expects to perform at his best and reclaim the gold on Saturday evening.
Check out the accusations Aljamain Sterling made towards his upcoming opponent in the video below:
When T.J. Dillashaw failed USADA drug test
Years before getting caught by the United States Anti-Doping Agency, T.J. Dillashaw was accused by Cody Garbrandt of attempting to give his former teammates illegal substances.
'No Love's' comments were brushed off by the UFC veteran, but the rumors gained credibility when the BJJ purple belt was caught and given a two-year suspension for testing positive for EPO.
The bantamweight came clean about his failure and stated that his reason for taking the illegal substance was due to his struggles making weight for a highly-anticipated clash against Henry Cejudo on his flyweight debut.
Dillashaw has since returned but is constantly reminded by a large portion of the UFC roster of his shortcomings, with many of them remaining adamant that he is still doping.