Dillashaw: ‘I have to be aggressive, but safe against Barao’

Yesterday on FOX Sports 1, UFC 173 headliner TJ Dillashaw discussed his upcoming title shot against Renan Barao, Duane Ludwig’s departure from Team Alpha Male and more.

TJ Dillashaw on if he’s prepared to take on the champ Renan Barao in the title fight: “I’m more prepared now than I’m ever going to be. It’s a perfect storybook ending for me. I feel like I’m the best fighter I could be right now.”

Dillashaw on being the underdog in the fight: “If I didn’t believe I could win, I wouldn’t be doing it. Being an underdog is better for me because you don’t have expectations and you get to prove everyone wrong. I don’t feel the pressure at all.”

Dillashaw on coach Duane Ludwig leaving Team Alpha Male: “It’s going to be tough not having him here every day. His intensity is great and he keeps us accountable for our training every day. I’ll definitely cross-train with him in Colorado. My fight camps will be here and I’ll have him come out and train with me and I’ll have him in my corner when I fight.”

Dillashaw on if training with Faber, who fought Barao last, will help his prep for the fight: “Yes. Urijah prepared for some things that didn’t happen. Barao is an offensive fighter. I have to get him going backwards. I have to be aggressive while being safe.”