T.J. Dillashaw proves first win was no fluke with title defense against Renan Barao 
Chicago — When Renan Barao lost his title to T.J. Dillashaw at UFC 173 in the summer of 2014, many thought that it was a fluke.
After all, Dillashaw was a relative unknown coming out of the Ultimate Fighter feeder system and Barao hadn’t lost in 33 fights over the span of a decade.
On Saturday, Dillashaw shut out any talk of ‘luck’ and picked the Brazilian apart once again, to further cement his place atop the UFC’s 135-pound division.
“I came out more aggressive this time,” Dillashaw said post-fight. “I train harder than him, in my mind.”
Dillashaw admitted being “really pumped” by his performance and that’s for good reason.
After having the rematch with Barao cancelled on two different occasions (Aug. 2014, April 2015) Dillashaw finally got to show everyone in the world what he already knew: he could beat Renan Barao again. And this time was perhaps even more impressive than the first.
Dillashaw came out with a stiff jab and established an authoritative pace from the outset. He battled some early leg kicks from the Brazilian – a signature of Barao’s – and never lost focus.
By the third round, the Team Alpha Male standout was landing at will. In fact, the fight was almost stopped at the end of the third when DIllashaw was unloading on Barao with a succession of uppercuts and hooks.
The horn sounded with Barao still on wobbly legs. Dillashaw undoubtedly smelled weakness and at the start of the fourth round, he walked to the center of the Octagon with purpose.
He plodded towards Barao and hit him with a left hook. The punch sent Barao falling with his back towards the cage, and that’s exactly where he stayed, as the 29-year-old defending champ fired off numerous power hooks and uppercuts.
Barao was covering up but he was completely outclassed at that point. He was taking unnecessary punishment and referee Herb Dean stepped in soon after, at 0:35 in the round, to award the fight to Dillashaw via TKO.
It is anyone’s guess who may be next for the surging bantamweight but with the Barao rivalry finally in the rear-view, Dillashaw can finally focus on other opponents who may be waiting in the wings.
And after his two incredibly exciting outings against Barao, it’s easy to imagine whatever challenge lies ahead for Dillashaw will be must-see action.
