TJ Dillashaw is not to be slept on going into UFC 280
Since this fight was announced in July of this year, fans have long been waiting to see TJ Dillashaw against Aljamain Sterling. Stylistically, this is going to be such a great fight. Sterling won the bantamweight title in controversial fashion when he was hit with an illegal knee in his first fight with Petr Yan. Sterling would win the split decision in their highly anticipated rematch over a year later. Coming into UFC 280, Dillashaw is a slight underdog, but I am here to tell you no one should be sleeping on him going into this fight.
Dillashaw returned from a massive suspension in July of last year, picking up a split decision win in a barnburner of a fight with Cory Sandhagen.
After watching how great he looked after such a long layoff, I knew right then and there he was next in line for the belt. Sandhagen was well on his way to earning his own title shot, and to hang with a guy like him after being away for so long spoke volumes to me.
What makes Dillashaw so dangerous is all based on his movement. His movement when he’s inside the octagon has only ever been seen once before in Dominick Cruz, but both guys have unique quirks in their stances. He has excellent hands, throws incredible combos, and his feints set up his wrestling beautifully. Sterling has excellent wrestling, so it will be interesting to see if Dillashaw will look to take this fight to the ground at all.
I think this fight can go one of two ways. I believe that Sterling might believe he has a clear advantage in wrestling and will look to grind out a victory. We have seen a theme in his most recent fights where he looks to slow down the fight by wearing his opponent down with wrestling. The only issue with that is that Dillashaw can also wrestle.
The other way this fight goes is Dillashaw works on his takedown defense all camp and will look to make this a stand-up fight. Sterling will have an advantage with his length and could look to keep Dillashaw at distance with quick jabs and kicks, but if Dillashaw gets inside, he has deceptively fast hands and can put someone’s lights out.
I am riding with TJ Dillashaw come Saturday afternoon. In my opinion, Dillashaw is one of the most underrated fighters in UFC history and have been a massive fan since he shocked the world and upset Renan Barao. His fight style is unlike anything out there right now. His only chink in his armor is when he gets rocked and feels he’s losing, he loses his bounce on his feet and becomes incredibly flat-footed.
No matter the case, I believe we get an “And New!” come Saturday afternoon, and another run as UFC Bantamweight Champion is in the cards for Dillashaw.
Check out our Linktree to view all of our incredible sponsors as well as our socials!
