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Former UFC champion T.J. Dillashaw got the opportunity to spar with boxing champ and two-time Olympic gold medalist Vasyl Lomachenko on Wednesday. Not only are they among the very best in their respective sports, both men are also known for their movement and footwork, making it an interesting crossover session.
The pair sparred for four 4-minute rounds, and Dillashaw was appreciative about working with one of the best boxers today.
“He put it on me. He’s animal,” Dillashaw told ESNews. “He’s a cardio machine. He doesn’t give you a break. So much respect. Just to share the ring with the guy was amazing. I would never pass up the opportunity. I wish I was in a little bit better shape, but it was amazing.”
Dillashaw, who is much bigger than the WBO super-featherweight champ, praised Lomachenko’s movement and wishes to be able to learn more from him in the future.
“Turning you into punches, that’s his thing,” he said. “He gets those angles where you can’t find him. You’re looking, and as soon as you find him, he’s hitting you. It was amazing. I’m a guy who wants to use angles and use footwork, so I can learn a lot from him. I really hope I get to continue to work with him.”
Dillashaw is 14-3 in MMA, and cuts a lot of weight to compete at 135 lbs. Lomachenko on the other hand, is 7-1 as a pro (396-1 as an amateur), and has moved up to become a champion in his second division, at 130 lbs.
Watch a brief clip of the sparring session, along with Dillashaw’s thoughts on the workout below.
Snapshot of @TJDillashaw and @VasylLomachenko sparring session. They just finished four, 4-minute rounds. Fun. pic.twitter.com/NFwsidApBV
— Brett Okamoto (@bokamotoESPN) March 23, 2017
Rehashing the fisticuffs pic.twitter.com/OxMxmExaJy
— Brett Okamoto (@bokamotoESPN) March 23, 2017