TJ Dillashaw and N3on are from two different generations. Dillashaw’s career spanned two UFC bantamweight championship reigns and 17 wins in the UFC, with 8 coming by knockout. Meanwhile, 20-year-old N3on’s rise in popularity has been fueled by his edgy content, which often includes provocative and controversial statements. Fans recently saw a stark difference between the two in a viral clip on social media.
TJ Dillashaw and N3on went to a McDonalds outlet during one of N3on’s latest streams. An individual could be heard asking Dillashaw if he is Canelo Alvarez. It was only after N3on introduced Dillashaw as ‘Lieutenant Dan’ that the man recognized who he was. Even then, people barely acknowledged Dillashaw while N3on was swarmed by fans.
In 2014, Dillashaw captured the UFC bantamweight championship by defeating Renan Barao, who was riding a 32-fight unbeaten streak. However, his career faced a major setback in 2019 when he tested positive for EPO. This led to a two-year suspension and the loss of his bantamweight title.
😅🚶♂️ T.J. Dillashaw and N3on walked into a McDonald’s in California, and no one recognized TJ (one guy just asked if he was Canelo).
But everyone recognized N3on.
🎥 @N3onOnYT pic.twitter.com/m2Ynzgqeu1— Home of Fight (@Home_of_Fight) September 21, 2024
Dillashaw returned to the octagon in 2021, defeating Cory Sandhagen in a closely contested bout. His final fight came in October 2022, when he challenged Aljamain Sterling for the bantamweight title but lost due to a shoulder injury. Dillashaw announced his retirement shortly afterward.
Despite being a decorated UFC fighter with a storied career, Dillashaw’s brand did not translate to widespread mainstream recognition in the same way that streamers achieve today. For athletes like Dillashaw public attention was largely tied to their time in the spotlight.
However, as the internet reshapes entertainment, influencers like N3on are always visible through their daily content streams. Dillashaw’s fame, built over years of combat sports success, seems to have become more niche compared to N3on’s broad appeal across social media platforms.
Netizens react to TJ Dillashaw being overshadowed by N3on at a McDonald’s outlet
Despite TJ Dillashaw’s status as a former UFC bantamweight champion, he went largely unrecognized by the general public. Meanwhile, N3on, the prominent streamer, was mobbed by fans. This caught the attention of netizens online who went to the comment section to share their thoughts and reactions to the video.
Fans react to N3on’s stream featuring TJ Dillashaw (Image via Imago X)Why would anyone be a fan of Neon, every clip i see of him makes me hate him even more 💀
— Elon Rakhmonov (Fan) 🇦🇺 (@ElonRakhmonov) September 21, 2024
you forgot to add they are all under 15 LMFAO bro plz dont start posting clickbait all the time. I actually liked this page
— MMA_Mobb (@Mobb_Tv_) September 21, 2024
If the kids knew TJ, I think that would be a bigger problem… if you think about it
— Rob (Jspec) Nakamura🤙🏼 (@JspecTheHost) September 21, 2024
Fighters never be celebrities like YouTubers are. Fighting is still not a sport for the masses.
— Katharina Lehner (@klwmma) September 21, 2024
Well, yeah, it’s a McDonald’s. The kids who go home and beat their big macs to YouTube if course know the weirdo with the glasses. This is like if they walked into any gym and everyone knew TJ and we were “suprised”
— Jon💪 (@UMotivesYT) September 22, 2024
Who is neon again? What is he known for ? Makeup artist?
— Knockout of the day (@KOofTheDAY) September 21, 2024
damn 14 year old girls don’t know TJ Dillashaw???
— Andy Scott (@AndyJScott) September 22, 2024
No shit, they were watching his stream
— Tayler 🇨🇦 (@Tayler56742534) September 22, 2024
Figures like Dillashaw have traditionally operated in environments where their public exposure is limited to televised events or media appearances. These do not provide the same intimate engagement with fans as streaming platforms do. That is why many fighters like Sean O’Malley, Conor McGregor, Floyd Mayweather, and others have begun to secure a strong foothold on social media. This has only made them much more popular, strengthening their brand and promoting their fights for them.
