Renan Barao vs. TJ Dillashaw
USA TODAY Sports
Renan Barao consoles Urijah Faber (left) after Faber's loss to Barao.
Kontek
TJ Dillashaw is not the best fighter to square off with Renan Barao. He actually isn't even the best Team Alpha Male fighter to fight Barao. That distinction belongs to Urijah Faber, who lost twice to Barao in pretty dominant fashion. Barao is one of the best fighters in the world. He will wow us again.
Barao, TKO, Rd. 2
Amos
Dillashaw has asserted himself as one of the top bantamweight fighters in the world, but Barao has had little trouble dispatching others carrying that accolade. Expect Dillashaw to come out aggressively and keep it close for a while, but don't doubt the result, which will be a Barao finish. The winning streak continues.
Barao, TKO, Rd. 3
MacDonald
Dillashaw is a genuine talent. His improvement since his time on
TUF has been astonishing, and he is legitimately one of the best bantamweights on the planet. However, this fight may have come a little too soon for him.
If this bout takes place a year down the road, I’d doubtless have to give a little more thought to my pick. Look for Barao to end the fight late, but don’t be surprised if Dillashaw is competitive.
Barao, TKO, Rd. 4
Smith
Dillashaw is among the most talented young stars in the bantamweight division, but Barao is that much better than all other 135-pounders. Coming off a quick knockout win over Urijah Faber, Barao shouldn't have much trouble making it two in a row against Team Alpha Male fighters.
Dillashaw's wrestling will likely be his biggest asset against Barao, but the champion has not been taken down in seven UFC appearances and is a stronger grappler anyway.
Barao, TKO, Rd. 2
Harris
Another one where it’s hard to find something new to say. Dillashaw will dash himself against Barao as the waves against the White Cliffs of Dover. The waves are majestic, but there the cliffs are still standing upright. And if he wants to try his knockout power, why, he is certainly welcome to bring a spiked bat into battle with General Grievious. Maybe, if this got to the ground somewhere and there was an early scramble where Dillashaw could get a choke, that would work. Or maybe one of those big punches or kicks could lock onto a sensitive target.
But it’s unlikely, man. It’s unlikely. Toughness takes Dillashaw a long way here. It takes him to the horn, which no man has reached in Barao's last three defenses. But Dillashaw does not get to title down. Until we receive word otherwise, that’s Renan Barao country and all else are put to the stocks.
Barao, unanimous decision