Can T.J. Dillashaw spring the upset? | Photo: Dave Mandel/Sherdog.com
Renan Barao looks unstoppable.
Spawned by the revered Nova Uniao camp, Barao has compiled a perfect 7-0 record since arriving in the UFC in May 2011. The gifted Brazilian last appeared at UFC 169 in February, when he stopped Dillashaw’s mentor, Urijah Faber, on first-round punches. Barao has delivered 22 of his 32 career victories by knockout, technical knockout or submission. A finalist on Season 14 of “The Ultimate Fighter,” Dillashaw has won five of his last six bouts, a disputed decision loss to Raphael Assuncao the lone misstep. The 28-year-old last fought at UFC Fight Night “Rockhold vs. Philippou” in January, when he captured a unanimous verdict over Mike Easton.
Sherdog.com touched base with a number of fighters and trainers to gauge their opinions on the UFC 173 main event:
Colton Smith: TJ comes into this bout as the clear underdog but I believe he also comes into this bout with a lot of momentum. That, coupled with Duane Ludwig still at the helm, I'm taking the American by decision.
Robert Drysdale: Barao wins.
Zach Makovsky: I have to admit I am a fan of Dillashaw’s athletic striking style and his blend of wrestling and jiu-jitsu. Barao has been very dominant and holds a ridiculous winning streak, but I still think he can be beaten. Dillashaw has to be smart, limit his mistakes and keep a good pace for five rounds, but I’m going to say there will be a new champ at the end of the night. Dillashaw wins by close decision.
Beneil Dariush: Barao wins. I think Barao is a better all-around fighter, and his killer instinct is sensational.
Nick Ring: Barao wins.
Tony Martin: Barao is too big, fast and strong for Dillashaw, if not the whole division. Dillashaw has tons of heart and I would like to see him win, but I see a fourth-round stoppage for Barao.
Wilson Reis: I have Barao winning by unanimous decision. I believe he will outstrike Dillashaw and will win the takedown battle. I won’t be surprised if he gets a TKO in the first round, but I will go with a decision for Barao.
James Vick: I have Barao by TKO within the first three rounds.
Tom DeBlass: I don’t know much about either guy. I just hear Barao looks unstoppable lately, so I’ll go with him.
Anthony Lapsley: I’m going to go with Barao via unanimous decision.
Joe Duarte: I’m going with Barao. The dude is an animal.
Ricardo Liborio: Barao wins, but it will be a tough fight.
Photo: D. Mandel/Sherdog.com
Barao is 32-1.
Gabe Ruediger: I think Dillashaw has been doing good, but he hasn’t fought anyone near the level of Barao. Training with Faber will probably help in preparation, but I see Barao picking him apart. Barao takes this, and my fanboy friend Tom thinks the same.
John Gunderson: I think Dillashaw is a badass and great fighter, but I have to go with Barao. He has shown to be the most consistent fighter in the UFC’s bantamweight division at this time and is in the top three pound-for-pound.
Travis Lutter: I have to go with Barao in this one. He is one of the toughest pound-for-pound fighters in the world. It should be a great fight.
Daron Cruickshank: Dillashaw all the way. He is on a roll and has enough steam to get the job done.
Joseph Sandoval: Barao all the way. He’s way too fast for Dillashaw. It’s going to be like the Jose Aldo-Chad Mendes fight at UFC 142.
Ray Elbe: Barao is as close to unbeatable as anyone we’ve seen in the UFC. However, Dillashaw has been training with a master striking and game planning coach in Duane Ludwig for this bout. With that said, I’ll pick Barao by TKO in impressive fashion.
J.J. Ambrose: I’m taking Barao in this one because of his experience in title fights against high-level fighters, not to mention Dillashaw has never fought five rounds. Dillashaw is tough, but I don’t see him being able to hold Barao down and his standup isn’t on the same level.
Jeff Hougland: I don’t think I have ever picked one of these right. I hope Dillashaw wins because I’d like to see someone from Team Alpha Male win the title. Barao is a beast, though. The UFC tried to match me up with him after I had a year injury layoff but switched the fight. I guess God still wanted me to talk normal and walk upright. Anyways, I’m going to go with the champ on this one.
Mitch Clarke: Barao wins. Unfortunately, I think he’s too well-rounded. I think T.J. will make a fight out of it, but in the later rounds, Barao will pull away with it.
Igor Araujo: Dillashaw has improved his game a lot since “The Ultimate Fighter.” Also, having a coach like Duane Ludwig was big for him, but I don’t see anybody taking the belt from Barao anytime soon. I have Barao by knockout in the second round.
Kyle Kingsbury: Is anyone picking Dillashaw? Barao wins in every category.
Nam Phan: I always have to root for my Team Alpha Male brother. T.J. wins it.
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THE FINAL TALLY
Pros Picking Barao: 21Pros Picking Dillashaw: 4
Follow Mike Sloan on Twitter at www.twitter.com/mikesloan19.