ROUNDTABLE: Who wins the Cody Garbrandt vs. TJ Dillashaw fight and why?

Who wins the Cody Garbrandt vs. TJ Dillashaw fight and why?

FRANK HYDEN, MMATorch Columnist

I’m going with Garbrandt by TKO late in the fourth round. I think Dillashaw’s movement and escapability will allow him to avoid a large amount of punishment in the early rounds, but I think it’ll catch up with him as they enter the championship rounds. Garbrandt hits really hard and can take a lot of shots. Dillashaw might be able to land early, but Garbrandt can take that and keep firing. This should be a firefight and I think Garbrandt has the bigger guns.

JOHN HARRIS, MMATorch Contributor

I like Cody Garbrandt by unanimous decision. On paper this has all the makings to be fight of the year. This a grudge matche between two of the best in the bantamweight division. Garbrandt is coming off of a strong decision victory for the 135lb. championship over Dominick Cruz.

T.J. Dillashaw is a former champion who is on two fight win streak since losing his title to Cruz back in January of 2016. Both fighters are very active and will look to strike early and often. It is always interesting to see how fighters adapt to Dillashaw’s unique footwork and striking style but if anyone can, it should be Garbrandt. The former teammates will be very familiar with each other. I expect Garbrandt to land a few big shots for knockdowns and steal some rounds for the decision.

ZACK HEYDORN, MMATorch Contributor

This is the fight I’m looking forward to most. I’m looking forward to seeing how Dillashaw is going to defend the striking abilities of Cody Garbrandt. The bottom line for me is that I don’t think he’ll successfully be able to. Because of that, I’m taking Garbrandt and I’m going to say he’ll finish the fight in the third round.

JOSHUA GARCIA, MMATorch Contributor

I think Cody wins this fight via knockout.  He is quicker than TJ and he will out box TJ.  TJ will eventually start looking to take the fight to the ground but Cody will defend and end up putting the lights out on TJ.

SEAN COVINGTON, MMATorch Contributor

Cody wins if he fights the exact same way he fought Cruz. TJ has the exact same style as Cruz just not as refined. If Cody gets impatient he’ll lose and TJ is just different enough of a personality from Cruz to cause Cody to lose his cool.

RICK MONSEY, MMATorch Contributor

It’s hard to choose because I’m a fan of both men.  If I had to put my money on it I think Garbrandt will be successful defending his title.  The only thing that can get Cody into trouble will be if he showboats too much.  He got away with that with Cruz but TJ will be ready for it.

COLE HENRY, MMATorch Contributor

I think that Cody Garbrandt is a great fighter, but I also think that Dom Cruz psyched himself out a bit when he faced No Love. He seemed much happier to engage than usual, and I personally think that he saw a weakness in Cody’s chin, or at least thought he did, and sacrificed his usually measured approach to try and take him out with more aggression. This left him open, and susceptible to No Loves considerable power. I don’t think that’s the case with Dillashaw, who I think will effectively use his movement and diverse striking to out point the more one-dimensional boxer (when it comes to striking) in Cody Garbrandt.

NOW CHECK OUT THE PREVIOUS ROUNDTABLE: Who wins the Joanna Jedrzejczyk vs. Rose Namajunas fight and why?