(Newswire.net — April 21, 2017) — The two fighters had been linked ever since Garbrandt won the title after beating long-time champion Dominick Cruz at UFC 207, and now Dillashaw will have the chance to return to the top of the 135-pound division. UFC president Dana White has been working on stacking a July 8 card that will coincide with International Fight Week – traditionally the biggest weekend in the UFC’s calendar – and this fight now has the potential to headline the event.
“UFC 189 World Tour Aldo vs. McGregor Lon” (CC BY-SA 2.0) by andriuXphoto.events
After a fairly rapid climb up the rankings, Garbrandt extended his unbeaten record to 11-0 with a dominant points win over Cruz at UFC 207, ending the former champion’s run of 13 fights and nine years without defeat. After rebounding with impressive victories over Raphael Assuncao and John Lineker, Dillashaw – who won the bantamweight title while Cruz was sidelined with injury only to lose it when the fit-again 32-year-old returned to the Octagon – will now have have the opportunity to get his hands back on UFC gold.
While the battle between two of the best 135lbs fighters in the world makes this match up exciting, there is another storyline that will be focused on a lot in the run-up to UFC 213. Having been teammates at Team Alpha Male in Sacramento along with long-time contender Uriah Faber, Dillashaw made the decision to follow Duane Ludwig to Colorado when the coach left the team. That move didn’t go down well with a number of the Team Alpha Male members, least of all Garbrandt, who has been vocal in his displeasure at Dillashaw’s apparent disloyalty.
— Cody Garbrandt (@Cody_Nolove) April 9, 2017
One of the hardest hitters in the smaller weight classes, Garbrandt has won 9 of his 11 victories by way of knockout. In his win over Cruz, the 25-year-old dropped the long-time champion on multiple occasions on his way to a dominant points win. But despite his power, Garbrandt faces a real battle on his hands against Dillashaw, evident in how the latest betting sites, including Mr Green and 21bet, have the two heading into the fight. While the current champion may be a slight favourite with some as we edge closer to UFC 213, those backing Dillashaw aren’t a small group.
“Combattimento nell’Octagon” (CC BY-SA 2.0) by Tanzen80
If Garbrandt is one of the hardest hitters in the division, Dillashaw is one of the most skillful. Blessed with fast and unorthodox footwork as well as some lightening quick and hurtful hands, Dillashaw has established himself as one of the most eye-catching fighters in the UFC in recent years. And with an array of kicks and a strong wrestling background, it could even be argued that the former champion has a stronger skillset that his opponent. One thing is for sure, this could well be one of the most fascinating bantamweight fights for a long time.