Dillashaw: I’ll finish Barao a little faster this time
TJ Dillashaw: “I see myself finishing the fight a little faster. It’s a huge advantage for me for multiple reasons … he gasses out in fights, I’ve been training at the weight I’ll fight.”
At Barao vs. Dillashaw I on 24 May 2014, the Brazilian champion had won 22 fights in a row, and was a 7-1 favorite to win the fight. TJ Dillashaw of course earned a KO in the fifth.
The remartch at UFC 177 on August 30 fell apart when Barao was unable to make weight. Barao since came back and won at that weight, setting up Saturday’s fight at UFC on FOX 16. Dillashaw has been training at altitude in Colorado, and says his advantages are stronger still. In fact, he said Barao barely deserves a rematch.
I see myself finishing the fight a little faster, said Dillashaw to Lance Pugmire for the LA Times. It’s a huge advantage for me for multiple reasons. Not only does it affect the body carrying too much weight — he gasses out in fights — I’ve been training at the weight I’ll fight.
I’m concentrating on the fight, not fighting the scale. There’s added pressure in cutting weight. I’d rather be the faster, better conditioned fighter.
I know there’s nobody working harder than me. I’m in shape, have done it the right way.
It’s always in the back of your head that this is a crazy sport. You keep your feet moving, you’ll be good.
I’m sure it’s going to be different. He’ll bring out a different game plan. So will I. You can’t be too predictable.”
Given the awesome neo footwork game that he developed already under the tutelage of Duane ‘Bang’ Ludwig, it will extremely interesting to see what is new Saturday night, and presents a classic match up against the might Dutch kickboxing game of Barao.
