TJ Dillashaw loses Monster Energy sponsorship

Things are continuing to go downhill for TJ Dillashaw, as Monster Energy have terminated their sponsorship deal with the former UFC bantamweight champion. Ariel Helwani revealed on Twitter that the promotional deal signed in Dec 2018 has ended.

“Monster Energy has parted ways with TJ Dillashaw, according to Monster’s Hans Molenkamp. The company signed him to a promotional deal in Dec. 2018. Dillashaw, the former UFC bantamweight champion, is currently serving a two-year suspension after he tested positive for EPO in Jan.”

After losing his four-fight win streak due to an explosive 32-second, first round KO courtesy of Henry Cejudo, the United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA) revealed Dillashaw tested positive for EPO on Dec. 28 2018, and Jan. 18 2019. Dillashaw received a two-year suspension, admitted his guilt and relinquished his belt.

However, Monster has maintained partnerships with other UFC fighters despite major incidents. Connor McGregor has had his fair share of controversies, as he was arrested recently for allegedly smashing a fan’s phone but remains in a one-year contract with the energy drink company. Monster rep, Hans Molenkamp said the deal which was confirmed in Oct. 2018 was, “one of the more lucrative deals the company has done with an athlete.”

TJ Dillashaw has yet to comment on this Monster sponsorship news. He is eligible for a UFC return after Jan. 18 2021, by which point he will be nearly 35 years old. The partnership termination between Dillashaw and Monster illustrates that it’s not just the UFC and other fighters reacting negatively to athletes using performance enhancing drugs, sponsorship companies are now taking action too.

This article first appeared on BJPENN.COM on 5/8/2019.