Roundtables
ROUNDTABLE: Predictions for T.J. Dillashaw vs. Renan Barao rematch at UFC 177
Aug 29, 2014 - 1:10:40 PM ROUNDTABLE: Predictions for T.J. Dillashaw vs. Renan Barao rematch at UFC 177

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Will T.J. Dillashaw beat Renan Barao again at UFC 177? Or will the former Champ take back his title? Who wins and how?


DAN MOORE, MMATORCH UK COLUMNIST

I attended UFC 173 in May and left as surprised as anyone that T.J. Dillashaw not only won the fight, but did so with ease against a very dominant champion at the time. If I base my prediction on that fight alone it's a no-brainer that Dillashaw does exactly the same to win again. I really wish it was that simple, but it isn't, as this fight will be entirely different. Was Renan Barao injured heading into the fight? Did he think he could beat Dillashaw without having to be at his very best? '’m not 100% convinced either theory is true, but if just one of those factors did play a part, I have to favour the Brazilian based on their previous performances.

Before their fight, Barao was a consensus top five pound-for-pound champion. Now he finds himself in the position of underdog fighting against the champion in his hometown. If he is going to win his title back, he's got to do it the hard way. Dillashaw fought the perfect fight last time, and he's going to be even more determined to impress again in front of his friends and family. That also adds a lot of pressure and no one knows yet if he can handle it. Winning a title is one thing, defending it as a champion is another. I think it's going to be a lot closer than their last fight. I sided with Barao the last time, and despite the result, I'm doing the same again now. Barao wins his title back by TKO in the second round.


FRANK HYDEN, MMATORCH CONTRIBUTOR

I think Barao looks a ton better, but Dillashaw wins a close decision. I'm just assuming that Barao will bounce back big from the last fight and make things closer. This is a true test of his heart, and I think he responds. I'm really looking forward to the fight, but that's based on assumptions. I think Barao will be better, but there's no evidence to prove that. Dillashaw handled Barao so thoroughly in the last fight that it's possible we just get a repeat of that. I don't think that happens, though, but you never know how a guy will respond to such a loss. What I do know is that I'm very excited for this fight.


KALE HAVERVOLD, MMATORCH CONTRIBUTOR

I think Renan Barao takes his title back. I feel he underestimated T.J. in their first fight, I think he comes out guns blazing and stops T.J. in the rematch.


BRAD WALKER, MMATORCH COLUMNIST

This is a scary fight to make a bet on; Barao overcomes obstacles, and Dillashaw is an underdog superhero. I'm erring on the side of caution and picking Dillashaw to impress again, and to totally level Barao in impressive fashion.


TOM STRONG, MMATORCH UK CONTRIBUTOR

I confess to writing off T.J. Dillashaw the first time around, giving him zero chance of defeating the then champion Renan Barao. Wow, how wrong I was! Dillashaw displayed one of the best performances I've ever seen inside the Octagon to not only defeat Barao, but to totally dominate him over five rounds before stopping him.

Can he do it all over again? I'm certainly not backing against it. So many questions will be answered this time around: did Barao take Dillashaw lightly? Was it a one off performance? Or does Dillashaw just have Barao's number? I can't wait for it all to unfold this Saturday night.

I'm really struggling to pick a winner here. I'm not doubting Dillashaw can put on another stunning performance to retain his title, though I've got a feeling Barao will be the one who gets his hand raised after five rounds, and once again become the UFC Bantamweight Champion!

Prediction: Renan Barao UD