TJ Dillashaw has vacated his UFC bantamweight title after failing a drug test.
Dillashaw dropped down a division to challenge flyweight world champion Henry Cejudo as he attempted to become just the fourth double champion in the promotion’s history at UFC Fight Night 143 in January.
The 33-year-old suffered a TKO defeat inside 33 seconds – a stoppage he protested – and hopes to secure a rematch.
But Dillashaw has now revealed he has voluntarily given up his championship following an “adverse finding” taken from that January fight in Brooklyn.
“To all my fans, I wanted to be the first one to let you know that USADA and the NYSAC have informed me of an adverse finding in a test taken for my last fight," he wrote on Instagram.
“While words can’t even begin to express how disappointed I am at this time, please know that I am working with my team to understand what has occurred and how to resolve this situation as quickly as possible.
“Out of fairness and respect to the rest of my division, I’ve informed the UFC that I’ll be voluntarily relinquishing my title while I deal with this matter. I want to thank all of you in advance for the support.”
UFC are yet to comment on Dillashaw’s statement.
