Bantamweight champion, Barão (photo) faces Dillashaw in May. Photo: Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC
the american TJ Dillashaw will be the next one to try to unseat Renan Barao and win the UFC bantamweight belt. With just over a month to go until the fight, the challenger has already promised that he will “shock the world” and defeat the Brazilian, which he hasn't lost in approximately nine years.
Dillashaw's statements were not well received by Barão. In an interview with the UFC's official website, the native of Rio de Janeiro criticized his opponent's stance. “He’s already talking too much. There's a lot to do too, I just want to see. On the day of the fight I hope he does half of what he said. Even parrots talk,” he said.
READ TOO: Raphael Assunção says injury prevented him from accepting a fight against Barão at UFC 173
However, even criticizing Dillashaw's stance, Barão recognized his qualities inside the octagon. “He has shown good work too, he had four consecutive victories, he fought very hard against Raphael Assunção [he lost in a split decision], and then he beat Mike Easton”, he recalled. “From what I saw, he has a very solid game, and he improves with each performance. He has great wrestling and has also improved a lot on his feet.”
READ TOO: Dillashaw bets on physical conditioning and promises to 'shock the world' against Renan Barão
The Brazilian also showed that he accepted the fight marriage well, even though the North American suffered a recent defeat in October. “If we didn’t fight now, it would be soon after. So nothing surprises me. I always say that marrying fights is the organization's problem, not mine. I face whoever comes. It’s my job,” he clarified.
The fight between Barão and Dillashaw will be the main attraction of UFC 173, which will be held in the city of Las Vegas, in the United States.
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