Tyler Jeffrey Dillashaw, known professionally as TJ Dillashaw, is an American former professional mixed martial artist. He competed in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), where he became a two-time UFC Bantamweight Champion.
You can follow TJ Dillashaw’s biography, career details, personal details, wife, net worth, fight purses, career earnings, endorsements, fight records, achievements, and more here.
TJ Dillashaw’s Biography
| Detail | Information |
| Full Name | Tyler Jeffrey Dillashaw |
| Nickname | The Viper, Killashaw |
| Birth Date | February 7, 1986 |
| Height | 5 ft 6.5 in (168 cm) |
| Weight | 135 lbs (61 kg) |
| Birthplace | Sonora, California, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Religion | – |
| College | California State University, Fullerton |
| Turned Professional | 2010 |
| Current Net Worth | $3 million |
| Relationship Status | Married |
| Wife | Rebecca Dillashaw |
| Instagram Profile | @tjdillashaw |
TJ Dillashaw was born on February 7, 1986, in Sonora, California. He grew up in Angels Camp, California, alongside his two brothers, Justin and KC. Dillashaw’s parents, Hal and Janice Dillashaw supported his athletic pursuits from a young age.
Dillashaw’s passion for combat sports began with wrestling in high school. His success in wrestling led to a scholarship at California State University, Fullerton, where he continued to excel in the sport before transitioning to mixed martial arts.
Early Career
TJ Dillashaw’s martial arts journey began with wrestling. He was a successful high school wrestler, placing fifth at the CIF state championships as a junior and second as a senior. In college, Dillashaw was a three-time NCAA qualifier for Cal State Fullerton.
After graduating, Dillashaw transitioned to mixed martial arts. He trained with Team Alpha Male and made his professional MMA debut in 2010.
Professional Career
TJ Dillashaw’s professional MMA career began in 2010 when he defeated Czar Sklavos in his debut fight. He quickly rose through the ranks, joining the UFC in 2011 as a contestant on The Ultimate Fighter 14.
Dillashaw’s UFC career took off in 2014 when he shocked the MMA world by defeating Renan Barao to win the UFC Bantamweight Championship. He successfully defended the title twice before losing it to Dominick Cruz in 2016.
Dillashaw regained the championship in 2017 by defeating Cody Garbrandt and defended it once more against Garbrandt in a rematch.
However, his career took a controversial turn in 2019 when he tested positive for a banned substance after his fight with Henry Cejudo for the Flyweight title.
This resulted in Dillashaw being stripped of his Bantamweight title and serving a two-year suspension. He made his comeback in 2021 with a victory over Cory Sandhagen.
Wife
TJ Dillashaw has been married to Rebecca Dillashaw (née Rebecca Pappe Reynoso) since June 2014. They got married in a low-key ceremony in Sayulita, Mexico after having dated for some time.
The couple welcomed their first child, a son named Bronson Jack Dillashaw, in December 2017.
TJ Dillashaw’s Net Worth Details
TJ Dillashaw’s net worth is estimated to be $3 million as of 2025. His earnings come from his fight purses, win bonuses, endorsements, and other sources.
Fight Purses
| Event | Opponent | Purse |
| UFC 173 | Renan Barao | $136,000 |
| UFC 177 | Joe Soto | $280,000 |
| UFC 217 | Cody Garbrandt | $440,000 |
| UFC 222 | Cody Garbrandt | $290,000 |
| UFC 227 | Cody Garbrandt | $200,000 |
| UFC on ESPN 24 | Cory Sandhagen | $406,000 |
| UFC 280 | Aljamain Sterling | $550,000 (reported) |
Career Earnings
Dillashaw has earned over $2.8 million throughout his career from his MMA fights. His highest reported single-fight purse was $406,000 for his bout against Cory Sandhagen in 2021.
Endorsements
Dillashaw has endorsed several brands throughout his career, including:
- Toyo Tires
- Monster Energy
- Onlyfans
- Knockout
- Botanic Tonics
- Netflix
- Clean Juice
Fight Records
| Statistic | Record |
| Total Fights | 21 |
| Wins | 17 |
| Losses | 4 |
| Draws | 0 |
| Wins by KO/TKO | 8 |
| Wins by Submission | 3 |
| Wins by Decision | 6 |
Achievements
- Two-time UFC Bantamweight Champion
- Three successful title defenses
- First fighter to finish a title bout in the fifth round twice (UFC 173 & UFC 177)
- Fight of the Night (Three times)
- Performance of the Night (Five times)
FAQs
1. Who is T.J. Dillashaw?
T.J. Dillashaw, born Tyler Jeffrey Dillashaw on February 7, 1986, is a retired American mixed martial artist. He is best known for his time in the UFC, where he became a two-time Bantamweight Champion. Dillashaw is recognized for his dynamic fighting style and strategic approach to MMA.
2. What are T.J. Dillashaw’s career achievements?
Dillashaw is a two-time UFC Bantamweight Champion with notable victories over Renan Barão and Cody Garbrandt. He earned multiple “Fight of the Night” and “Performance of the Night” bonuses and was the first fighter to finish two title bouts in the fifth round.
3. Why was T.J. Dillashaw suspended from the UFC?
Dillashaw tested positive for Erythropoietin (EPO), a banned substance that enhances endurance by increasing red blood cell production. He received a two-year suspension from USADA and relinquished his Bantamweight title as a result.
4. When did T.J. Dillashaw retire from MMA?
Dillashaw retired from professional MMA in December 2022 after undergoing shoulder surgery following his loss to Aljamain Sterling at UFC 280. He cited physical limitations as the reason for stepping away from the sport.
5. What is T.J. Dillashaw’s MMA record?
T.J. Dillashaw retired with a professional MMA record of 17 wins and 5 losses. His UFC record includes victories over top fighters like Renan Barão, Cody Garbrandt, and Raphael Assunção.
6. What is T.J. Dillashaw’s fighting style?
Dillashaw is known for his versatile and dynamic fighting style, combining high-level striking, footwork, and wrestling skills. His ability to adapt during fights made him one of the most technically proficient fighters in UFC history.
7. Who is T.J. Dillashaw married to?
T.J. Dillashaw married Rebecca Dillashaw in June 2014. The couple has one son, Bronson Jack Dillashaw, born in December 2017. Rebecca has been a strong supporter throughout his career.
8. What was T.J. Dillashaw’s role on The Ultimate Fighter?
Dillashaw participated in The Ultimate Fighter: Team Bisping vs. Team Miller in 2011, reaching the finals but losing to John Dodson via TKO. He later returned as a coach on The Ultimate Fighter 25 opposite Cody Garbrandt.
9. What is T.J. Dillashaw’s net worth?
T.J. Dillashaw’s net worth is estimated at $3-4 million, primarily earned through fight purses, endorsements, and bonuses during his UFC career.
10. What are some controversies surrounding T.J. Dillashaw?
Aside from his EPO suspension, Dillashaw faced criticism for leaving Team Alpha Male in 2015 amid allegations of PED use and injuring teammates during training sessions, including contributing to Chris Holdsworth’s early retirement due to concussions.
