TJ Dillashaw takes shock UFC title win from Renan Barao
- Published
TJ Dillashaw is the new UFC Bantamweight Champion after beating former titleholder Renan Barao.
"It was really a tough fight," said Barao, who had not lost a fight since his pro debut 2005. "I have to congratulate him. I'm coming back"
Barao's loss on Saturday night at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas ended his winning streak, which had lasted for more than 30 fights.
"I've been looking up to the guy, he's the best in the world," said Dillashaw.
"That brought the best out of me. I had to bring my A game."
Dillashaw had been the underdog going into the mixed martial arts (MMA) fight, with some fans complaining that he had been put forward for it.
Instead Barao's winning streak ended and Dillashaw became the first challenger to take the belt from the champion in 2014.
The 28-year-old's win in UFC 173 came in the fifth round after referee Herb Dean stopped the fight with Barao on the ground.
With the win, Dillashaw improves to 11-2, while 27-year old Barao falls to 34-2 with one no contest.
The UFC (Ultimate Fighting Championship) originated in the 1990s around the same time that MMA underwent a growth in popularity.
The contact sport involves a variety of combat techniques including boxing, judo, karate and wrestling.
The UFC is the largest MMA promotional company in the world and has television deals in North America, Europe and Asia.
In the UK it is shown on BT Sport.
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