TJ Dillashaw Talks About Leaving Team Alpha Male

In an interview with Team Alpha Male Radio (via Bloody Elbow), TJ Dillashaw revealed why he ended up leaving Team Alpha Male to join Elevation Fight Team in Colorado. Here are highlights:

On getting paid to train: “Last time I paid a lot of money… I had to put up a lot of money to do a fight camp. Now, Elevation Fight Team came to me and they want to pay me some good money to train with them. They’re offering to pay me to train, instead of me paying to train. This sport is growing so much that that’s the way I feel like it should be. We’re professional athletes. I feel like I got treated better in college wrestling. I had a physical therapist on hand at all times, no matter what, when I was in college. And that’s not where MMA is at yet. Now these teams are catching up and putting money into it.”

On the lucrative deal he got: “Really, if anybody else was in my situation, they would take the exact same deal. This is a very short-lived career. I have to do what’s best for myself. I have to do what’s best for my career and being on top for as long as possible. I can’t fight forever. I’ve got to fight and secure my future and decide what I’m gonna do with my life. This is a great opportunity.”

On his time with Team Alpha Male: “For the last 6 years I’ve been with Team Alpha Male. I wouldn’t trade that in for the world. It’s got me to where I’m at. It’s helped me out. It’s taught me to be the person I am. I’ve learned so much here. The experience I’ve had here has been unreal. But when something like this comes at you, you can’t turn it down. I believe anybody in my situation would do the same thing. And I believe it’s some of the best training in the world that I’m gonna get. Most of everyone understands my situation and are very supportive. Pretty much everyone on the team, except for you know… except for a couple. It’s just something I will have to figure out. With time hopefully it all dies down. I will always be Team Alpha Male family, in my mind, as long as everyone else feels that way.”