If he didn’t convince people he was the real bantamweight champion the first time he beat Renan Barao, T.J. Dillashaw certainly did the second time.
Dillashaw wore down and dominated Barao at UFC on FOX 16 on Saturday night in Chicago to retain the 135-pound belt. He finished Barao a round quicker than he did the first time at UFC 173, scoring a fourth-round TKO (strikes) after a barrage that left the Brazilian limp against the fence. If that weren’t enough, Dillashaw also took home a Performance of the Night bonus for his efforts.
It was announced in the post-fight press conference that the 29-year old Team Alpha Male fighter earned $50,000 extra for his dominant showing at the United Center.
Also taking home a performance bonus was Tom Lawlor, who was making return to the light heavyweight division. Lawlor was losing his fight against Gian Villante early — getting taken apart with leg kicks — but scored a one-punch, come-from-behind knockout in the second round. Lawlor, who last fought at 205 pounds against Kyle Kingsbury in 2008 at The Ultimate Fighter 8 Finale, is now 2-0 in that weight class. He went 4-4 as a middleweight in the UFC.
The Fight of the Night bonus went to Paul Felder and Edson Barboza, who engaged in a memorable stand-up war in which both fighters had their moments with spinning kicks, fists and plenty of leather trades. In the end, the judges saw it for the Brazilian, who improves to 16-3.
Barboza dealt Felder the first loss of his professional career. He is now 10-1.
Each were awarded $50,000 for their efforts.
FON Barboza-Felder Performances: Dillashaw and Lawlor.