Just like no one was giving Chris Weidman much of a chance against Anderson Silva in their first bout, not a lot of people were giving TJ Dillashaw much of a chance against Renan Barao. In fact the Las Vegas betting odds were at an almost 1000 point spread. Needless to say many thought that Barao would almost mop the floor with Dillashaw. But then in the first round Dillasahw actually dropped Barao which threw the momentum in Dillashaw's favor. Dillashaw however was patient when he wasn't able to finish Barao in the first and proceeded to control the defending champion for the rest of the fight. Then in the fifth round Dillashaw dropped Barao and proceeded to ground and pound Barao until the fight was stopped. Dillashaw was elated and those present were elated as well, fully embracing the underdog. Dillashaw was very emotionally when he accepted his new championship and was complimented by Joe Rogan in the post fight interview for having pulled the upset. Dillashaw's Team Alpha Male teammates were happy for him well as Urijah Faber was shown celebrating several times. It was one of those moments where many got emotional in a very positive way and for Dillashaw it was his emotional moment.
Matthew Salzer fell in love with Mixed Martial Arts when he watched Pride Fighting Championships on Japanese TV. He is a lifelong wrestler having earned a Bachelor of Science at Missouri Baptist University. Matthew is the Senior Editor at MMA Freak and has written for Funky Monkey MMA, H4 Entertainment, and MMA Fiends.
