Dillashaw shocks the world
LAS VEGAS, NV (The Spread) – T.J. Dillashaw shocked the MMA world on Saturday night by soundly beating Renan Barao and winning the UFC Bantamweight Championship.
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Barao (32-2) hadn’t lost since 2005 and was an overwhelming favorite to defeat Dillashaw (10-2), but the challenger came out as a completely different fighter, utilizing beautiful footwork and technical striking to pick apart Barao. Dillashaw nearly knocked out Barao in the first, but couldn’t quite finish him. He spent the next four rounds soundly winning the fight and finished Barao late in the fifth and final round following a leg kick that set up a flurry of punches. According to oddsmakers at Bovada.lv, Dillashaw came into the week as a +500 underdog to win, which means a wager of $100 on Dillashaw will pay out an additional $500. Some sportsbooks even had Dillashaw listed at +580 by the start of the fight.
The co-main event of Saturday’s event saw Daniel Cormier (15-0) firmly establish himself as one of the best at 205 pounds, as he choked out Dan Henderson (30-12) in the third round after dominating the former PRIDE champion for the first two rounds. Cormier used his size and strength and toss Henderson around and control him on the ground. Henderson couldn’t even get a punch off against Cormier. In the final round, Cormier found a way to get on top and work in a choke. Henderson didn’t tap, but was put to sleep. According to oddsmakers, Cormier had a money line of -800 to win this fight, which means a wager of $800 on him to win will pay out an additional $100.
UFC 173 Results
TJ Dillashaw (+500) def. Renan Barao by fifth round TKO (2:26)
Daniel Cormier (-800) def. Dan Henderson by third-round submission via choke (3:53)
Robbie Lawler (-230) def. Jake Ellenberger by third-round TKO (3:06)
Takeya Mizugaki (-170) def. Francisco Rivera by unanimous decision
James Krause (+150) def. Jamie Varner by first-round TKO (5:00)
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