T.J. Dillashaw is a name that resonates deeply in the world of mixed martial arts. Known for his relentless pace, technical mastery, and championship pedigree, Dillashaw’s journey from small-town wrestler to two-time UFC Bantamweight Champion is nothing short of inspiring. Here’s a detailed, up-to-date look at his personal life, career milestones, earnings, endorsements, and more.
TJ Dillashaw’s Biography
| Attribute | Details |
| Full Name | Tyler Jeffrey Dillashaw |
| Nicknames | The Viper, Killashaw, Dillashank |
| Date of Birth | February 7, 1986 |
| Age | 39 years |
| Place of Birth | Sonora, California, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | 5 ft 6 in (1.68 m) |
| College | California State University, Fullerton |
| Degree | Bachelor’s in Kinesiology |
| Religion | N/A |
| Turned Pro | 2010 |
| Net Worth | $3–4 million |
| Salary (Recent) | Varies by fight, up to $550,000 per bout |
| Spouse | Rebecca Dillashaw (m. 2014) |
| Relationship Status | Married |
| Children | 1–2 (Bronson Jack Dillashaw, plus one more reported) |
| Instagram Profile | @tjdillashaw |
Early Career
TJ Dillashaw’s combat journey began in Angels Camp, California, where he excelled as a high school wrestler, qualifying twice for the state championships. He continued wrestling at Cal State Fullerton, earning a degree in kinesiology.
After college, Dillashaw was encouraged by coach Mark Muñoz to pursue MMA, leading him to Team Alpha Male. He quickly made waves on the amateur circuit before turning professional in 2010, racking up early wins and earning a spot on The Ultimate Fighter 14, where he reached the finals.
Professional Career
Dillashaw’s UFC debut came in 2011 after his impressive run on The Ultimate Fighter. He lost his first UFC bout but rebounded with a string of victories, showcasing a dynamic striking and wrestling blend. In 2014, Dillashaw shocked the MMA world by defeating Renan Barão for the UFC Bantamweight Championship, ending Barão’s 32-fight unbeaten streak.
He defended the title twice before a close loss to Dominick Cruz. Dillashaw reclaimed the belt by defeating Cody Garbrandt in 2017 and defended it in a rematch. His career faced controversy in 2019 when he was stripped of the title due to a failed drug test, resulting in a two-year suspension. Dillashaw returned in 2021, fought top contenders, and retired after a final title challenge in 2022.
Wife
TJ Dillashaw is married to Rebecca Dillashaw, his longtime partner, since June 2014. The couple has at least one child, a son named Bronson Jack Dillashaw, born in December 2017. Some sources mention a second child, but this is not universally confirmed. Rebecca is known for her support and has a background in visual communications. The family resides in Colorado and California, maintaining a relatively private life.
TJ Dillashaw’s Net Worth Details
As of 2025, TJ Dillashaw’s net worth is estimated between $3 million and $4 million. His wealth comes from fight purses, win bonuses, endorsements, and business ventures, including his supplement company Wild Society Nutrition.
Fight Purses
| Event | Opponent | Purse |
| UFC 173 | Renan Barão | $136,000 |
| UFC 177 | Joe Soto | $280,000 |
| UFC 217 | Cody Garbrandt | $440,000 |
| UFC 227 | Cody Garbrandt | $200,000 |
| UFC on ESPN 24 | Cory Sandhagen | $406,000 |
| UFC 280 | Aljamain Sterling | $550,000 |
Endorsements
- Toyo Tires
- Monster Energy
- OnlyFans
- Knockout
- Botanic Tonics
- Netflix
- Clean Juice
- Topps (as a brand ambassador for UFC trading cards)
- Wild Society Nutrition (his own supplement brand)
Career Records
| Opponent | Event | Result | Method | Date |
| Renan Barão | UFC 173/177 | Win/Win | TKO (Rd 5/4) | 2014/2015 |
| Dominick Cruz | UFC Fight Night 81 | Loss | Split Decision | Jan 2016 |
| Cody Garbrandt | UFC 217/227 | Win/Win | KO/TKO (Rd 2/1) | 2017/2018 |
| Henry Cejudo | UFC on ESPN+ 1 | Loss | TKO (Rd 1) | Jan 2019 |
| Cory Sandhagen | UFC Vegas 32 | Win | Split Decision | July 2021 |
| Aljamain Sterling | UFC 280 | Loss | TKO (Rd 2) | Oct 2022 |
| John Dodson | TUF 14 Finale | Loss | TKO (Rd 1) | Dec 2011 |
| Raphael Assunção | UFC 200/FN: Maia vs Shields | Win/Loss | UD/Split Decision | 2013/2016 |
FAQs
1. What is TJ Dillashaw’s full name and where was he born?
His full name is Tyler Jeffrey Dillashaw, and he was born in Sonora, California, USA.
2. How many times did TJ Dillashaw win the UFC Bantamweight Championship?
He won the UFC Bantamweight Championship twice during his career.
3. What is TJ Dillashaw’s educational background?
He earned a bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology from California State University, Fullerton.
4. Who is TJ Dillashaw married to and does he have children?
He is married to Rebecca Dillashaw, and they have two children.
5. Which team did TJ Dillashaw train with during his MMA career?
He trained with Team Alpha Male in Sacramento, California, during the early and middle parts of his career.
6. What major setback did TJ Dillashaw face in 2019?
He was suspended for two years after testing positive for erythropoietin (EPO), a banned substance, and was stripped of his UFC title.
7. Who did TJ Dillashaw defeat to win his first UFC title?
He defeated Renan Barão at UFC 173 to capture his first UFC Bantamweight Championship.
8. What fighting disciplines does TJ Dillashaw specialize in?
He specializes in wrestling, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, kickboxing, and Muay Thai.
9. When did TJ Dillashaw officially retire from professional MMA?
He retired after his last UFC title challenge in 2022.
10. What is TJ Dillashaw’s estimated net worth?
His net worth is estimated at around $4 million, primarily from his UFC career and endorsements.