3. Speed
source// Dwayne Wolfe/Fight Booth The term speed kills can always play a factor in an outcome of a fight. It applies to every division, including the heavyweights. Stipe Miocics fifteen minute assault of Roy Nelson comes to mind. A major speed advantage allows you to get in and out safely on many occasions. If you combine that with excellent cardio, that makes you become the ultimate enigma. Dillashaws relentless pace and outstanding speed makes him that enigma, which Barao will struggle to figure out once again. He believes in being more of a volume striker rather than being calculating. Baraos tendency to stalk had left past opponents in distraught. Urijah Faber couldnt get his timing down and was forced to be more defensive. That led to him getting caught and eventually finished. Faber was fighting with a torn hamstring, which is why we didnt see his usual explosive self. Still it must have opened Ludwigs eyes on how you have to fight Barao at a higher pace. Thats what Dillashaw did through every round, before finishing him in the final round. While there certainly other quick bantamweights that can match Dillashaws pace. Not many bantamweight fighters have come close to out-striking him. Other than Dominick Cruz, no other bantamweight comes to mind as a sound technical striker. Speed will always be indispensable for a lower weight class fighter. Its how you utilize it through your game plan is the difference maker between being a champion or contender or a journeyman. Dillashaw gets it.