Dillashaw Books Sandhagen Headliner For May 8

As expected, former Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) bantamweight champion TJ Dillashaw will make his return against No. 2-ranked contender Cory Sandhagen at the promotion’s upcoming “Fight Night” event on May 8, according to ESPN.

A city and venue have yet to be determined.

Dillashaw (16-4) has been riding the pine for over two years after drawing a sizable suspension from United States Anti-Doping Agency (USADA). His last appearance resulted in a technical knockout loss to Henry Cejudo at UFC Fight Night 143.

As for Sandhagen (14-2), he’s won nine of his last 10, including back-to-back knockout victories over Marlon Moraes and Frankie Edgar. Defeating Dillashaw will grant “Sandman” the next crack at the bantamweight crown, which is up for grabs in the pending rematch between Petr Yan and Aljamain Sterling.

Also putting in work at the May 8 event are longtime veterans Donald Cerrone and Diego Sanchez, who are expected to collide at 170 pounds. Elsewhere on the card, Philipe Lins and Ben Rothwell go to war in heavyweight action.