TJ Dillashaw Vs Renan Barao SHOCKER – Breaking MMA News
By Barnaby “Mattress Man” Kellaway
Tonight UFC on Fox 16 comes from the United Center in Chicago. In a rare treat for UFC fans the main event features a title-fight on network television. The most anticipated rematch in bantamweight history sees TJ Dillashaw defend his belt against former champion Renan Barao.
In May 2014 TJ Dillashaw claimed one of the most shocking upsets in UFC history when he decimated the incumbent pound-for-pound champion over four and a half rounds before Herb Dean said enough is enough. Not only did Dillashaw close the show when he could easily have cruised to a decision victory but he also comfortably won every round.
The +580 underdog shocked everyone.
The one question mark over the fight was a belting overhand right that dropped Barao at the end of the first round. There are many who believe this shot effectively ended the Brazilians night as he may very well have gone the remaining three and half rounds concussed.
Just how much damage that punch did and how great an effect it had on the fight as a whole we will never know but what we can say for certain is that on that night Dillashaw delivered one of the most stunning performances in recent memory.
Since then the rematch has fallen through twice – it was firstly scheduled for August in Dillashaw’s hometown of Sacramento but on the day of the weigh-ins Barao was admitted to hospital after passing out whilst cutting weight. Then again it was set for UFC 186 in April but on this occasion it was Dillashaw who pulled out with a broken rib.
In the meantime both men have earned a victory each without any trouble: Dillashaw making his first defence against Joe Soto and Barao back to winning ways with a submission victory over Mitch Gagnon. Due to the straightforward nature of both these victories we did not learn much about how either fighter had moved on from UFC 173.
What can be said for sure though is that despite Barao being one year TJ’s junior he is a lot older than him in fighting terms: Barao has accumulated 38 fights over a ten year career. Conversely Dillashaw has thirteen professional appearances over a five year span. These numbers could be very important.
At a time when TJ is sharper than ever, his opponent is at risk of suffering from burnout. Some would say that the Barao of 2015 is the finished product, others would say he is on his way out.
As far as the fight goes, Dillashaw will go in to it with the exact same plan as last time. He showed absolute dominance on the feet where he completely bamboozled Barao with balletic footwork. ‘The Baron’ did not know whether it was a straight left, uppercut or head-kick coming at him such was the variety of his challengers shots. It was upon seeing his highly technical striking that the benefit of his striking coach, Duane Ludwig, became very apparent.
What we must remember is that it was not just us, the fans, who were shocked by TJ’s performance but also his opponent. Considering we had never seen half of things he threw out then it is fair to say Barao had not either. It is is for this reason that the Brazilian will come in to the rematch very well prepared for what is coming at him, as opposed to last time when he was essentially ambushed.
Upon feeling the pain of re-watching his dethroning, Barao will have identified two things that he failed to do last time but should consider now. Firstly, the incapacitating low leg kicks that limited the movement of Faber in two of his previous title defences were barely seen against Dillashaw. For a fighter who relies on his nimble footwork to set up his strikes, being relentlessly chopped away at the legs would take one of his greatest strengths away. Secondly, throughout the later rounds when it was clear he could not compete on the feet, Barao continued to ignore his corners advice to take the fight to the mat, he did not attempt a single takedown. Although you do wonder whether when Mr Pederneiras was calling for it he knew that Dillashaw had a 100% takedown-defence record.
As well as incorporating leg kicks and considering using his Jiu-Jitsu black belt he will not have lost confidence in his hands. We should not forget that before this fight as well as being one of the best fighters in the world Barao was also considered one of the finest strikers in the game. Following his first loss in almost a decade many fans have forgotten all of this and just remember the slaughter he suffered back in May 2014.
In July 2015, both men are healthy, Barao has made weight and the rematch is right around the corner. Strangely enough the most shocking outcome tomorrow would be a repeat of the first fight – even if TJ is as good again no one expects Barao to be as lacklustre as he was then. But in spite of his better preparation, Dillashaw still has the edge. Expect him to come out with even more tools in his box this time round – the growth under Ludwig has continued and TJ is just hitting his stride.
TJ DILLASHAW BY KO/TKO
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