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The toughest challenger that Barao ever facedRenan Barao was the prime force in the UFC's Bantamweight division for a long time. With an outstanding 32 fight undefeated streak for 9 straight years, the man almost seemed invincible.Until one day, TJ Dillashaw came around with a record that looked average when compared to the one of the long-reigning kingpin. But as soon as the fight began, something unexpected started to happen. The challenger was switching stances, finding new angles, landing shots and dramatically, the champion had absolutely no answer. This went on for all 5 rounds until finally Dillashaw stole the gold away with a TKO win near the end of 5th round.To say that the fight was a huge upset would be an understatement. As people stood in both awe of the new champion and disappointment from the fallen one, an interesting rivalry took shape for the better and lucky for us, an immediate rematch was booked.Here are 5 reasons you should watch Dillashaw vs. Barao 2.
#1 One of the biggest upsets in UFC History
The last time these two fighters faced off against each other , it resulted in one of the biggest upsets in the history of UFC. Yes, the upset is right up there in the hall of fame of huge upsets along with Matt Serra defeating Georges St. Pierre for the welterweight title back in '07.
When Dillashaw danced around Barao, almost mocking him with an utter disregard for his credentials, it seemed like the challenger is naive and is only setting himself up for an embarrassing defeat. But the tables turned soon enough when Dillashaw absolutely dominated Barao throughout the first round.
Expecting the champion to wake up from his sleep and start dominating the challenger from the 2nd round, people cheered him. Little did they know that the fight was going to be extremely one sided, only from the corner they were not expecting.
#2 Historical opportunity for Barao
Immediate rematches don't favor those who fell short the first time. After a belt changes hands, it is a fairly rare treat to see the former champ bring back the glory to where it truly belonged.
Considering the almost humiliating beating that Barao took, it is safe to say he can't enter the octagon as the same person. The cracks in the guard of the former champ that Dillashaw exposed and capitalized on, must not be taken lightly. With the odds looking to be ever against him, Barao can look at this as an opportunity to prove himself and channel the pressure. Or he can fall prey to the psychological prospect of the game, being an underdog. This is the reality that most people are expecting to witness but if Barao wins back the title, he can be the protagonist of a truly historic event.
#3 Landmark title defense for Dillashaw
Dillashaw is confident that his title reign will last longer than most as speculation regarding a Champion vs Champion bout against Demetrious Johnson becomes more probable with each passing day. Barao happens to think that Dillashaw is boasting about his title a little too much for the time as he suggests fighting outside his division.
Dillashaw has been champion for a little over a year and has had only one successful championship defence. It is obvious that the champion hasn't really been put to the test. But, Is facing Barao for the second time in a little over a year going to be a genuine challenge for Dillashaw? Or will it turn out to be a repetitive bout with the familiar old poundage in each round and Barao being buried? The fight is going to be a memorable landmark in the journey of Dillashaw in the UFC as he tries to prove his worth as a champion that's here to stay. His victory would be the final nail in the coffin of Barao's hopes of ever regaining the title.
#4 Barao\'s reputation on the line
Usually a title rematch occurs when either the fight was very close, one fighter wins by a controversial unanimous decision or when the ex-champion treads his way to the top again by being the No.1 contender for the championship. None of the above criteria have been fulfilled, but the rematch is well on its way as the main event. Riding solely on Barao's impressive credentials.
A man should guard his reputation with his life, for one day his fate may rest over it.
With his unreal 32 fight winning streak, Renan Barao rightfully had the reputation of a true warrior. Also UFC had a lot of money riding on the then reigning champ which further helped the booking of the rematch to be so prompt.
But at the end of the day it all comes down to who's the better fighter on the night, Renan Barao is not a regular in the defeated club and will be willing to risk more than he bargained for to get back both his title and a reputation of being a man who is not an easy target to overcome.
#5 Ultimate technical showdown
This is not one of those rivalries that result from hate outside the octagon or a spicy story to back the action up. Though amazing mixed martial artists, Barao and Dillashaw will never be recognized along the likes of Conor McGregor or Brock Lesnar. The reason is simple, Dillashaw and Barao are not known as the best people to cut a ‘promo’. There is no display of the finger, trash talk or spitting involved but instead mutual respect that goes outside the octagon.
Fights like Dillashaw vs Barao are interesting because of the physical competency, strength, combat skills and an overall display of will-power being tested to the limit. Once a fan witnesses a masterpiece of technical superiority, character and soul in the game such as Dillashaw vs. Barao, quite naturally, their perception of the sport never remains the same. The amazing creativity and technical proficiency shown in the ring ultimately raises their standard for comparison and definition of a fight that is truly worth watching.
This is the standard we can expect from Dillashaw vs Barao 2. With the title on the line, both men have taken an oath to deliver a brutal war that we'd be gladly tuning into.
