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Assess T.J. Dillashaw's chances against Renan Barao for the UFC Bantamweight Championship next month at UFC 173.
FRANK HYDEN, MMATORCH CONTRIBUTOR
Dillashaw is a good fighter, but Barao is one of the best. It's nothing against Dillashaw, but Barao has beaten all challengers and I think that continues. I think Barao's dominance keeps up as he stops Dillashaw in the second round, and possibly the first. I just don't see anybody beating Barao anytime soon. We're witnessing one of the best winning streaks of all-time.
BRAD WALKER, MMATORCH COLUMNIST
He is an über underdog who probably stands no chance, but a win for him could rocket him into stardom. Congrats to T.J. For stepping up to take this fight.
KALE HAVERVOLD, MMATORCH CONTRIBUTOR
Very slim to none. I think this has the potential to be one of the most lopsided title fights in UFC history. Barao is just better every where that the fight can go. Of course, I could be wrong, but I seriously doubt it, Barao is just something else when that cage doors closes.
TOM STRONG, MMATORCH UK CONTRIBUTOR
Regardless of whether TJ Dillashaw deserves the title shot or not, his chances of beating Renan Barao and becoming the new Bantamweight Champion are next to zero. Given the way Barao has dispatched Urijah Faber (twice), Eddie Wineland, and Michael McDonald, this should be one of Barao's easier title defences. I rate T.J. highly, but this has come too soon for him.
CASH NORMAN, MMATORCH CONTRIBUTOR
T.J. Dillashaw is a good fighter, but Renan Barao is a great fighter. This fight is too early in the development of Dillashaw, and I do not believe he will have the answers to defeat Barao. Dillashaw is a good wrestler that has developed his striking skills. Barao has good counter wrestling, adjusts quickly between rounds, and has aggressive submission jiu jitsu; so if Dillashaw makes one mistake he will either be knocked out or submitted. At this point in their careers, Barao has more weapons in his arsenal to finish the fight than Dillashaw. Honestly, I cannot foresee Dillashaw being able to hold Barao down and implement ground and pound.
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