The UFC may be set for an epic shift Saturday night in Chicago as it presents UFC on FOX 16.
The show is headlined by a huge rematch between UFC Bantamweight Champion and current champion T.J. Dillashaw and former champion Renan Barão. Dillashaw eneded Barao’s 21 fight, seven-year winning streak and took his title back on May 24 2014 at UFC 173 in the biggest upset in MMA history.
Dillashaw’s rise to stardom was truly unseen as he only had seven UFC fights to his credit, two of which were losses when he received the unexpected title match against Barao. It was an injury to Raphael Assunção that even gave Dillashaw the chance at the title fight. He made it pay off and completely dominated Barao for the first four and half rounds before putting him away by knockout with a little over two minutes remaining in the fight.
It truly was one of the greatest performances in MMA history.
One has to wonder if he can do it again against one of the all time best pound for pound fighters. Barao is out for revenge. It is a can’t miss fight that I believe will see a title change back to Barao in what will be another classic. Look for Barao by submisison in four rounds, setting up an epic trilogy.
The under card is nothing to sneeze at either as Jessica Evil Eye, who was recently featured in “Ohio Warriors” takes on Miesha Tate with the winner getting the next shot at Ronda Rousey. Tate is a cagey veteran with excellent grappling skills. It is hard to make a case for Eye, as she only has one victory in the Octagon.
She had two, but one was taken when she made the unwise choice to smoke dope before a fight. She is a feared striker, but I don’t see her getting inside of Tate quick enough to do damage. Look for Tate to ground her for three straight rounds and earn the title shot.
Joe Lauzon will be making his 18th trip into the Octagon when he takes on Japanese legend Takanori Gomi who will be doing battle in his 46th MMA fight. His better days are behind Gomi and I would look for Lauzon to capitalize with a submission win.
Enjoy the fights!