T.J. Dillashaw shocked fans and experts alike Saturday with a one-sided beating that concluded with a TKO of Renan Barao late in their bantamweight title fight at UFC 173 on Saturday in Las Vegas.
Dillashaw not only overcame tremendous odds to avenge teammate and mentor Urijah Faber’s loss to Barao, he also became the first member of the Sacramento-based Team Alpha Male to win a UFC title.
Of the UFC’s nine champs, only Chris Weidman and Ronda Rousey can say they have less experience than Dillashaw, who has just 10 career wins, including six in the UFC.
His future’s not in question, but Dillashaw must now begin the arduous task of attempting to defend his belt in a deeply talented 135-pound division.
Here’s a glimpse at three matchups Dillashaw could entertain in the second half of 2014.