It’s official: T.J. Dillashaw is the real deal.
Picking up where he left off from their first encounter, Dillashaw once again employed bewildering speed and hugely improved striking to pick the former champion apart. This time far more respectful of the power of his rival, Barão was still unable to keep up with the pace of the champion and quickly wilted after just a couple of rounds. Never getting carried away by his own success, Dillashaw remained calm and technical right up until the fourth and final round. Visibly fatigued and busted up thanks to the champion’s inch-perfect strikes, Barão's challenge was finally halted after a relentless Dillashaw barrage forced official Herb Dean to step in and save the Brazilian.
Now firmly positioned atop the 135-pound division, Dillashaw’s rise has been nothing short of astonishing. A mouth-watering battle with the oft-injured former champion Dominick Cruz will likely be the Sacramento-native’s next challenge.
Tate Overwhelms Eye, Sets Up 2nd Title Shot
Multiple knockdowns and ground superiority carried Miesha Tate safely past the challenge of Jessica Eye, and all but assured the veteran female competitor another crack at the gold. Eye experienced early success as she made Tate pay for her attempts to take the fight to the ground, but ‘Cupcake’ eventually took control of the contest after a couple of huge overhand rights left ‘Evil’ reeling. With the fight firmly in her favour, Tate continued to punish Eye on the ground and was unfortunate not to secure the finish with a tight one-armed guillotine in the second frame. Unable to finish her opponent, Tate’s continued dominance was enough to see her take a unanimous decision nod from the judges.
Barboza Victorious in Battle of Flashy Strikers
Barboza Victorious in Battle of Flashy Strikers
An extremely entertaining clash of master strikers, Brazil’s Edson Barboza overcame early adversity to hand Paul Felder his first professional loss. Trading spinning kicks and backfists for the duration, both experienced success with their range of flashy strikes. An early Felder-thrown left hook caused significant swelling to the left side of Barboza’s face, but the Brazilian was able to fight through the damage, scoring points of his own with a series of crippling kicks to the body. Felder’s output decreased visibly in the final round, affording Barboza the opportunity to secure a well-deserved decision victory.
Lauzon Demolishes Legend Gomi
Fan-favourite submission specialist Joe Lauzon didn’t need long to dispose of fellow veteran and Pride legend Takanori Gomi. Surviving the predictably wild strikes of his Japanese opponent, Lauzon quickly secured a takedown and almost instantly secured a back mount. Unable to sink in a rear naked choke, Lauzon instead brutalised Gomi with powerful blows from the dominant position, separating ‘The Fireball Kid’ from his consciousness midway through the opening stanza. In a display of true class, Lauzon himself called the stoppage after recognising Gomi’s lack of response.
UFC on Fox 16 Main Card Results:
Lightweight
Joe Lauzon def Takanori Gomi via TKO (punches) in round 1
Lightweight
Edson Barboza def Paul Felder via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Women’s Bantamweight
Miesha Tate def Jessica Eye via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Bantamweight Championship
T.J. Dillashaw (c) def Renan Barão via TKO (punches) in round 4
Event Awards:
Best Fight: Edson Barboza vs. Paul Felder
Best Finish: T.J. Dillashaw
MVP: T.J. Dillashaw
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