Current Age and Birth Details
T.J. Dillashaw was born on July 7, 1986, making him 38 years old in 2025. He is an American mixed martial artist best known for his time in the UFC, where he competed at bantamweight. Born in California, Dillashaw developed a strong wrestling foundation in high school before transitioning to mixed martial arts. His age places him in the later stage of a fighter’s career, where experience remains valuable but recovery and competition frequency often shift. Understanding his birth date and career context helps clarify timelines for records, title reigns, and his current status in the sport.
Professional Career Highlights
Dillashaw turned professional in 2010 and compiled an 8–0 record on the regional circuit before signing with the UFC in 2013. He quickly rose through the ranks due to his wrestling and cardio, earning a shot at the bantamweight title. His age and experience were factors in his ability to cut weight and compete at the highest level during his peak years. Key milestones include becoming UFC bantamweight champion and defending the title multiple times before setbacks later in his career.
UFC Bantamweight Champion
Dillashaw held the UFC bantamweight championship from 2016 to 2019. During this period, he was in his late 20s to early 30s, a window where elite fighters typically balance prime athleticism with growing in-fight IQ. His age at the time of each defense influenced his pacing, preparation, and ability to adjust between rounds. While champions can compete into their mid-30s, Dillashaw’s title reign reflected a distinct phase of his career shaped by training maturity and strategic evolution.
Notable Fights and Results
| Date | Opponent | Result | Event |
|---|---|---|---|
| July 12, 2014 | John Dodson | Win | UFC 175 |
| January 17, 2016 | Dominick Cruz | Win | UFC on Fox 18 |
| July 30, 2016 | Takanori Gomi | Win | UFC 201 |
| December 30, 2016 | John Moraga | Win | UFC 207 |
| July 29, 2017 | Wilson Reis | Win | UFC 214 |
| April 7, 2018 | Henry Cejudo | Loss | UFC 228 |
| July 6, 2019 | Henry Cejudo | Loss | UFC 239 |
| August 8, 2020 | Cory Sandhagen | Loss | UFC Fight Night 172 |
| July 10, 2021 | Petr Yan | Loss | UFC 263 |
| August 13, 2022 | Merab Dvalishvili | Loss | UFC 277 |
Age-Related Context in Combat Sports
In mixed martial arts, age affects recovery time, cardiovascular capacity, and the frequency of high-level competition. Fighters in their late 30s, like Dillashaw in 2025, often adjust training loads and fight schedules to manage wear and tear. Experience can compensate for slower recovery in some matchups, but explosive wrestling and cardio—hallmarks of Dillashaw’s style—may require more deliberate periodization. Understanding a fighter’s age helps contextualize performance trends, training adaptations, and decisions about competition frequency.
Career Timeline Overview
Dillashaw’s career can be divided into distinct phases shaped by age and opportunity. Early fights in his mid-20s built his foundation, while his championship run in his late 20s to early 30s represented a peak performance period. As he enters his mid-to-late 30s, his role has shifted toward mentorship, selective fights, and preserving legacy. Reviewing his timeline by age highlights how athletic peaks, decisions, and circumstances intersect over a professional fighting career.
Key Phases by Age
- 2010–2013 (Ages 24–27): Amateur and regional pro period; built wrestling base.
- 2014–2015 (Ages 28–29): UFC newcomer, establishing consistency.
- 2016–2019 (Ages 30–33): UFC bantamweight champion; prime championship years.
- 2020–2022 (Ages 34–36): Post-champ challenges; competitive but aging division.
- 2023–2025 (Ages 37–38): Veteran status; selective fights, legacy focus.
Public Perception and Records
Dillashaw is frequently recognized for his technical wrestling, cardio, and championship durability. Records such as title defenses and finishes contribute to his legacy, while age provides context for interpreting those achievements. Analysts often compare his career arc to peers, noting how experience influences performance longevity. Accurate age data supports fair comparisons and avoids misstating timelines in historical summaries.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is T.J. Dillashaw’s current age in 2025? 38 years old, born July 7, 1986.
- When was Dillashaw born? July 7, 1986.
- How old was he during his UFC title reign? Entered title fights in his late 20s; title reign spanned ages 30–33.
- Does age affect his current fight frequency? Yes, recovery and fight selection typically evolve in a fighter’s mid-30s.
- Is he still competing as of 2025? He remains active but competes less frequently, focusing on legacy and matchup value.
Summary
T.J. Dillashaw, born July 7, 1986, is 38 years old in 2025. His career reflects typical aging patterns in elite combat sports: a strong late-20s to early-30s championship window followed by adjustments in training, fight frequency, and role within the sport. Verified dates and fight history help distinguish rumor from fact when discussing his age and career stage.