UFC legend Cub Swanson gave a fighter insight on TJ Dillashaw’s decision to fight through a shoulder injury he had during UFC 280’s co-main event.
TJ Dillashaw entered the 9th title fight of his UFC career when he fought Aljamain Sterling at UFC 280. However, shoulder injury struggles saw the former champion dominate in round 1, then eventually finish in round 2 following relentless ground and pound from Sterling.
Dillashaw’s left shoulder visibly popped out following the first grappling exchange between him and Sterling. TJ made it to the end of round 1, as his shoulder was popped back into place by one of his cornermen on the stool. With full knowledge that his shoulder may pop out again, TJ fought on.
Cub Swanson, who trained with Dillashaw in preparation for the title fight, has revealed why Dillashaw chose to go on.
Cub Swanson Explains TJ Dillashaw’s Way of Thinking
The answer was simple, fighters always believe they can win, Swanson revealed on Twitter.
Cub faced injury issues of his own when he recently fought Jonathan Martinez. Multiple brutal leg kicks from Martinez did heavy damage to Swanson, who fought on for longer than most would before eventually being finished.
Swanson also educated fans on how much Dillashaw’s injury affected his training camp, stating he couldn’t even lift his left arm.
TJ’s fight with Sterling was his second since returning from a two-year USADA ban after testing positive for EPO. He has remained relatively quiet on social media since the fight, and it remains unclear which direction his career will go next.
Once recovered, who should Dillashaw face next?
Featured image credits to Embed from Getty Images and Embed from Getty Images
