T.J. Dillashaw avenged a years-old loss on Saturday night, and likely secured a title rematch with UFC Bantamweight Champion Dominick Cruz, defeating Raphael Assuncao by unanimous decision at UFC 200.
The former champ, fighting for the first time since his questionable decision loss to Cruz in January, out-struck Assuncao throughout their 15-minute prelim fight to take the nod. He was the faster fighter, utilized his footwork well, defended takedowns, and just generally out-worked his Brazilian foe from start to finish in the fight.
It’s a rough loss for Assuncao in his first fight since October of 2014, as it brings an end to a seven fight win streak, and likely his desires for a title fight in the bantamweight division. For Dillashaw, it was another sign of his progression since that October 2013 loss to Assuncao, and he’s now right back in line as the No. 1 contender at bantamweight.
In other action on the UFC 200 undercard, Sage Northcutt edged a decision over Enrique Marin, while the UFC Fight Pass Prelims featured nothing but highlights in first round (T)KO wins from Jim Miller, Gegard Mousasi, and Joe Lauzon.
[Photo (c) Bob DeChiara via USA Today Sports]
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