"You own EPO addicts" - Fans back Aljamain Sterling to destroy "steroid boy" T.J. Dillashaw
Aljamain Sterling is back in the good graces of fans as he prepares to defend his title against T.J. Dillashaw at UFC 280.
Sterling, of course, became one of the most despised champions in UFC history after he won the belt against Petr Yan via disqualification. However, 'Funk Master' silenced his doubters after he defeated Yan in a rematch by split decision.
Check out Aljamain Sterling's subtle dig at T.J. Dillashaw:
Let’s shut another one up! 💯
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#AndStill https://t.co/vz3gct9tGb
Coming out of the fight, many still believed Yan deserved to win the title back. However, what people apparently dislike more than illegitimate champions are cheaters.
This will be Dillashaw's first title fight since he was forced to relinquish the belt in 2019 due to a failed drug test. After getting knocked out by Henry Cejudo at UFC Fight Night 143, Dillashaw tested positive for the banned substance EPO (erythropoietin), and was subsequently suspended from competition for two years.
Needless to say, a huge segment of fans still haven't forgiven Dillashaw for his mistakes. As such, even a divisive figure like Sterling earned the support of many. Check out the best reactions below.
Fans support Aljamain Sterling ahead of his title fight against T.J. Dillashaw
Aljamain Sterling took to Twitter to send a message to his upcoming opponent. The reigning king of bantamweights posted a photo of himself accompanied by a caption that read, "Let’s shut another one up!"
Surprisingly, Sterling's message mostly received positive feedback from fans on Twitter. Several individuals hoped that Sterling will give T.J. Dillashaw a comeuppance that many believe is long overdue. One person wrote that Sterling will "own" Dillashaw, whom he branded as an "EPO addict."
@funkmasterMMA You own epo addicts
Many others shared the same sentiment. They expressed support for Sterling, believing Dillashaw doesn't deserve to hold UFC gold once again.
@funkmasterMMA Aljo please beat this drug cheat
@funkmasterMMA eposhaw is fucked
@funkmasterMMA Go get em champ
@funkmasterMMA Who do you think deserves a shot at your belt after you destroy steroid boy
A couple of Twitter users also pointed out that Sterling has been matched up with cheaters as of late. The other one they were referring to was Yan.
@funkmasterMMA Aljamain ‘the cheater beater’ Sterling
@probablynotdiag @funkmasterMMA First Cheatr Pan
Now TJ Pillashaw
One by one all the infamous cheaters fall victim to the one, the only. The man, the myth, the legend. The fabled FUNKMASTER. https://t.co/WfMEXYnhax
Meanwhile, there are also those who believe Sterling is simply better than Dillashaw at this point.
@funkmasterMMA If Sterling’s cardio is there, which I’m sure it will be, Sterling wins this one….. definitely can’t get tired against TJ, because he seems to just keep coming; I’m not a huge TJ fan, but I will say he is tough, persistent, and has a huge heart, and always comes to fight
@funkmasterMMA It won’t even be close champ https://t.co/gbc2gtS4a1
@funkmasterMMA #AndStill
@funkmasterMMA AllDay. #AndStill
@funkmasterMMA Who do you think deserves a shot at your belt after you destroy steroid boy
However, Dillashaw spent another year on the sidelines after injuring his knee during his comeback fight against Cory Sandhagen. It remains to be seen if the injury or the time away will affect Dillashaw's performance.