Tonight’s UFC 280 event was co-headlined by a men’s bantamweight title fight featuring Aljamain Sterling taking on TJ Dillashaw.
Sterling (22-3 MMA) entered the contest on a seven-fight winning streak, his latest being a split decision victory over Petr Yan at UFC 273. ‘Funkmaster’ had not tasted defeat since being brutally knocked out by Marlon Moraes in December of 2017.
Meanwhile, TJ Dillashaw (17-4 MMA) was returning to action for the first time since July of 2021, where he earned a split decision win over Cory Sandhagen. Prior to that, ‘Killashaw’ had suffered a TKO loss to Henry Cejudo in a fight for the flyweight title, which ultimately led to him being suspended for EPO use.
Tonight’s UFC 280 co-main event proved to be a one-sided contest. TJ Dillashaw had his shoulder pop out early in the opening round and was never able to recover from the injury. Aljamain Sterling was able to take the fight to the floor with relative ease and proceeded to ground and pound ‘Killashaw’ on route to a second round TKO victory. The win marked Sterling’s second career title defense and potentially sets him up with a fight against Sean O’Malley his next time out.
Official UFC 280 Result: Aljamain Sterling def. TJ Dillashaw via TKO in Round 2
Check out how the pros reacted to ‘Sterling vs. Dillashaw’ below:
https://twitter.com/Benaskren/status/1583612652047126529
It’s time to get funky LFG @funkmasterMMA get it done champ!!!
— Jamahal Hill (@JamahalH) October 22, 2022
Can’t lie, as a long time fan. Dillashaw’s walkout song still gets me instantly fired up! #UFC280
— Miles Chapo Johns (@milesxjohns) October 22, 2022
I think TJ might get the job done 2night. #UFC280
— #OnAmission4Gold (@KelvinGastelum) October 22, 2022
https://twitter.com/RickySimonUFC/status/1583910397039767552
Tj tough shoulder is defiantly compromised pop rt back in like a savage
— Terrance ‘T Wrecks’ McKinney (@twrecks155) October 22, 2022
Shoulders popped out
— Paulo Costa ( Borrachinha ) (@BorrachinhaMMA) October 22, 2022
Post-fight reactions to Aljamain Sterling defeating TJ Dillashaw by way of second round TKO at UFC 280:
Congrats to the Champ Aljo
— Platinum Mike Perry (@PlatinumPerry) October 22, 2022
If I was in TJ’s corner I would throw the towel before the finish #ufc280
— Rafael dos Anjos (@RdosAnjosMMA) October 22, 2022
https://twitter.com/DominickCruz/status/1583916312320884736
https://twitter.com/HenryCejudo/status/1583916251516047360
https://twitter.com/HenryCejudo/status/1583916486296338432
Tj is wild for that one coming in with 1 arm. Respect but damn bro
— Dominick Reyes (@DomReyes) October 22, 2022
Who would you like to see Aljamain Sterling fight next following his TKO victory over TJ Dillashaw at today’s UFC 280 event in Abu Dhabi? Share your thoughts in the comment section PENN Nation!