12 Jun 2019
UFC Fight Night returns to Los Angeles this Sunday, in what promises to be an action packed affair with the likes of T.J. Dillashaw and Cody Garbrandt going to war once again.
The Staples Center is the chosen arena, where the two fighters will battle it out for the bantamweight title in front of 21,000 deafening fans.
The once team mates and training partners crossed paths with one another in the Octagon nine months ago at UFC 217. On that occasion it was Dillashaw who ended his fellow American’s reign at the top of the division, thanks to an impressive second-round knockout triumph.
Thanks to his heroics, 32-year old Dillashaw cemented his position as a top pound-for-pound fighter due to this being his second championship victory.
Both have not fought since their match-up back in November, so come in to this weekend’s action fresh and full of energy.
It is apparent there is still bad blood between the two after Dillashaw’s somewhat un-sporting gestures to his opponent following their last fight. The current champion disrespectfully screamed in his fellow American’s face, something that he hasn’t forgotten since.
This contest will really be as close as it gets due to both having similar style and flair. It may come down to luck to see who takes the belt this time round.
Can Garbrandt control his emotions?
With both fighters being technically gifted, it really is hard to separate the two, although if Garbrandt fails to control his emotions once again and gets caught up in wild exchanges, it could be his downfall once more. Get Dillashaw to capitalize and win once more here at 4/5.
If the Ohio-born fighter gets over excited it could leave him once again exposed, and fighters as good as Dillashaw will make him pay.
What a win or loss would mean for Garbrandt
The American is the younger of the two (27) and has a bright future ahead of him, if he can bring home the title on Sunday. Getting revenge and holding the title simultaneously will boost his confidence, which can only lead to bigger and better things, such as potentially branching out to another weight division. We make him 10/11 to win this one.
On the other hand, another loss could be extremely hard to come back from. He will be pushed down the line further and fans may find it hard to erase two losses in a row from their memories.
Can Dillashaw defend his title this time round?
The simple answer is yes. If the 32-year-old can keep his cool and control the tempo, then he has every chance of defending his title.
If Dillashaw allows his opponent to get on top however, and it looks as though it could go the distance, then Garbrandt may start to fancy his chances.
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