"3X Bantamweight Champ" - T.J. Dillashaw responds to Aljamain Sterling's UFC 273 call-out

T.J. Dillashaw (L) and Aljamain Sterling (R) [Images via @tjdillashaw and @funkmastermma on Instagram]

T.J. Dillashaw wants a third go at the UFC bantamweight title after Aljamain Sterling called him out. The former two-time bantamweight champion claims he'll also capture UFC gold for a third time. In the immediate aftermath of 'Funkmaster's callout, Dillashaw wrote on Twitter:

"Coming soon! 3X Bantamweight Champ"

Coming soon! 3X Bantamweight Champ 👊👑 #ufc273

Dillashaw, who was in attendance at UFC 273, uploaded a tweet from the venue, claiming 'Daddy's home'.

#daddyshome #ufc273 https://t.co/DTEW2fTKiA

Aljamain Sterling faced Petr Yan in a highly anticipated title unifier that served as the co-headliner at UFC 273. 'Funkmaster' grappled his way to a closely contested split decision win, finally legitimizing his claim at the bantamweight throne. The 32-year old issued an immediate callout to T.J. Dillashaw, calling him "Pillashaw" and "Needleshaw."

Watch Sterling's post-fight octagon interview below:

Responding to the callout, Dillashaw said:

"Thanks for the callout my little b**ch. Hope you have fun pretending to be the champ. Like I've always been saying, daddy's home, getting that belt. Easy f***ing money."

Watch the former champion's response to Sterling's callout below:

TJ answers Sterling’s callout 👀 #UFC273 https://t.co/OOPEZxbqYI

Aljamain Sterling one victory short of matching T.J. Dillashaw's most bantamweight wins in UFC history

'The Funkmaster' started his UFC journey with a four-fight winning streak that was snapped by two consecutive split-decision losses. The jiu-jitsu wizard then went 2-3 in his next five before mounting a five-fight winning streak that saw him go up for title contention against Petr Yan at UFC 259.

Sterling became the first fighter in UFC history to be crowned champion via DQ after eating a brutal illegal knee from Yan. While many questioned his claim at the bantamweight title, 'Funkmaster' put doubters to rest by beating the Russian in the rematch.

The 32-year old now has twelve victories at 135lbs, one short of TJ Dillashaw's record for most bantamweight wins in UFC history. Dillashaw has amassed thirteen bantamweight victories over his UFC career and two title reigns.

Aljamain Sterling earns his 12th win as a UFC bantamweight, second most in the division's history (Dillashaw, 13). #UFC273

However, the former champion's splendid record will forever bear a stain due to his suspension in 2019. USADA handed Dillashaw a two-year ban after he tested positive for EPO ahead of his flyweight title fight against Henry Cejudo. The 36-year old made a comeback last year, earning a split-decision win over Cory Sandhagen.

USADA has suspended former UFC champion TJ Dillashaw two years for testing positive for the banned substance EPO. Just announced by the agency. https://t.co/y0vFauJJYp