In arguably the biggest and most shocking title upset in UFC history, current bantamweight champion TJ Dillashaw dominated former kingpin Renan Barao at UFC 173.
With tactical precision, overwhelming pressure and the sort of five-round conditioning we’re not used to seeing, especially in the midst of landing 140 significant strikes, “The Viper” made Barao look like a technician without his tools.
Dillashaw’s commanding performance not only shed light on how dynamic and prolific he can be, but it proved that Barao is in fact mortal and the 135-pound crop heap is more open battleground than closed circuit.
In any case, Barao’s perennial excellence and current pound-for-pound ranking landed him a well-deserved immediate rematch.
That rematch takes place this Saturday at UFC 177 in Sacramento, California—Dillashaw’s home state.
Here is a true head-to-toe breakdown scripting the most anticipated reboot in bantamweight history.