Not many gave T.J. Dillashaw much of a chance to dethrone dominant Bantamweight champion -- and pound-for-pound elite -- Renan Barao when the pair first collided at UFC 173 in May 2014. "Viper" proved the doubters so wrong, smashing the Brazilian for 4.5 rounds and then finishing him to score an upset for the ages.
Tonight (Sat., July 25, 2015) in the main event of UFC on FOX 16, which took place inside United Center in Chicago, Ill., Dillashaw was out to defend his 135-belt for a second time and prove the first win over the uber-talented Brazilian was no fluke.
It wasn't. Not even close.
Dillashaw turned in a repeat -- and utterly brilliant -- performance, but this time he only needed 3.5 rounds to get the job done. His movement, accuracy and endurance was lights out. In fact, Barao stood no chance after the second round. He was beaten to every punch and faded fast.
And once again he endured a savage beating.
Barao did land a handful of solid punches, but none of them appeared to hinder Dillashaw's aggressive attack. He was violently relentless right up until the second referee Herb Dean had to peel him off Barao along the cage in the fourth round.
Dillashaw keeps getting better -- certainly leaps and bounds beyond his participation on The Ultimate Fighter (TUF).
And that's a scary thought after what he just did to the No. 1-ranked fighter in his division.
For complete UFC on FOX 16: "Dillashaw vs. Barao 2" results, including play-by-play updates, click here.
Get the latest gear
