UFC 173 Results: Dillashaw Dethrone Barao, Becomes the New UFC Bantamweight Champion

TJ Dillashaw put on one of the best performances in combat sports tonight against Renan Barao.

TJ Dillashaw dropped Renan Barao with a thunderous right hook that sent the crowd in a frenzy! Barao’s eyes rolled into the back of his head and it seemed like it was all over, but he recovered quickly and stayed busy enough to make it back to his feet. Dillashaw tried his hardest to end the fight wherever it went, but Barao escaped the first round and survived.

TJ Dillashaw dropped Renan Barao with a thunderous right hook that sent the crowd into a frenzy. Barao’s eyes rolled into the back of his head and it seemed like the fight was all over, but he recovered quick enough to catch his wits. Dillashaw tried his hardest to end the fight wherever it went, but Barao escaped the first and survived.

Dillashaw’s gas tank was not affected by his ‘go for the kill’ attitude in the first as he continued to change levels and attack from different angles. The second round was almost just as impressive as the first, but he did not do as much damage; Dillashaw landed a high volume of strikes. Towards the end of the round, though, his hands were hanging low and his mouth was open. Barao landed his fair share of shots, but it was obvious Dillashaw was up two rounds to none walking into round three.

The third and fourth rounds showcased Dillashaw’s kickboxing confidence. He showed amazing footwork and found holes in Barao’s games that would allow him to crash his fists into the champion’s face. Dillashaw landed a left cross that dropped Barao in the fifth and Dillashaw dove on him once again. This time, the final punches landed and Herb Dean warned Barao to fight back. Barao did not answer and Dean was forced to wave it off.

Duane Ludwig embraced TJ Dillashaw with tears in his eyes, happy to see his student win the gold.

T.J. Dillashaw def. Renan Barao by way of TKO (Punches) 2:26 of Round 5