Dillashaw confesses to EPO use: 'I messed up'

In his first public statement since being handed multiple suspensions for a failed drug test, former UFC bantamweight champion TJ Dillashaw took to Instagram to share a message.

"I messed up," he began by stating. "I've got to man up to what I did."

Dillashaw was suspended one year by the New York State Athletic Commission and was given a two-year ban by the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency for testing positive for EPO, a synthetic hormone. The findings came after the bantamweight titleholder lost a flyweight championship fight to Henry Cejudo on Jan. 19.

"I've been having a hard time trying to forgive myself for this, which I should have a hard time," he said.

Dillashaw said he wants to be better for his 15-month-old son and regrets the undue criticism his family, teammates, and gym are taking.

"I want to apologize to my fans, anyone I've let down, obviously my family and my coaches, my teammates. Can't say sorry enough for the stuff you've been dealing with because of me."