Frank LorenzoThe main event of UFC 173 features Renan Barao defending his Bantamweight title against challenger TJ Dillashaw, this Saturday at 12 AM ET at the MGM Grand Garden Arena – Las Vegas, Nevada.
The main event of UFC 173 features Renan Barao defending his Bantamweight title against challenger TJ Dillashaw, this Saturday at 12 AM ET at the MGM Grand Garden Arena – Las Vegas, Nevada.
Barao is 34-1-0 on his career with 22 wins in a row; he’s a machine in this weight.
“I just keep working hard, practicing a lot, practice a little bit of everything,” Barao said. “Just be prepared for everything. That’s the way I always try to see things.”
“I’m happy just doing my job and my best. Maybe in the future Dana will call me No. 1,” he said. “For me, definitely Jose Aldo [is the best fighter in the world]. He’s the most complete fighter, and I train with him every day. I think he’s the best.”
TJ Dillashaw, the challenger, is 10-2 on his career and 30% of his wins came via knout out.
“I’ve just got to go in there and believe that the fighter I am can beat Renan Barao,” Dillashaw told USA TODAY Sports and MMAjunkie. “Obviously, I have to be prepared for what he’s going to throw at me, but I can’t overthink what he’s going to do because then I’m getting thrown off my game plan.
“Urijah Faber believes that I’m a good enough fighter to beat Renan Barao any day in the gym. If he shows up to our gym, Urijah thinks I’d beat Renan, so I’ve just got to go out there and believe in myself and bring it. You can’t be scared of the guy.”
The UFC 173 odds have Renan Barao listed at -800 to win and TJ Dillashaw is +500.
