Monster Energy has cut ties with former UFC bantamweight champion T.J. Dillashaw as the energy drink company is no longer a sponsor of the fighter.
Ariel Helwani first reported the business decision by the Orange County-based company. Dillashaw is serving a two-year suspension from the UFC after USADA tests discovered EPO in drug tests. Dillashaw did not appeal the ruling and in an Instagram post expressed regret for his mistake.
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.
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) May 7, 2019
Monster Energy, a UFC sponsor, also has individual deals with several UFC and Bellator fighters including Jon Jones, Donald Cerrone, Joe Schilling and Rory MacDonald.
Payout Perspective:
Despite Jones’ past issues with USADA, Monster has not flinched with its support of Jones. Of course, Dillashaw was found guilty of using EPO which many consider is worse than Jones’ past USADA indiscretions. The business move makes sense considering Dillashaw’s brand needs some repair and time away from the spotlight may rehabilitate him. So, it would make no sense for Monster Energy to continue to sponsor a fighter on the sidelines.
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