Cody Garbrandt took the UFC bantamweight crown in emphatic fashion, as “No Love” dominated Dominick Cruz at UFC 207. Garbrandt now sets his sights on defending the title for the first time when he takes on TJ Dillashaw this year.
Books had opened Garbrandt as a -140 favorite with the comeback on Dillashaw at +110 for their originally scheduled bout at UFC 213. That fight was postponed after Garbrandt suffered a back injury, but it has been rescheduled for UFC 217 in New York City.
For some background, Garbrandt and Dillashaw used to train at the same gym, Team Alpha Male. Dillashaw recently left the gym in order to train with Elevation Fight Team. That split was far from amicable and tensions between the two sides have been high ever since.
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In fact, Garbrandt and Dillashaw are the coaches on the upcoming season for The Ultimate Fighter. The animosity is expected to be high with recently leaked footage showing Garbrandt grabbing Dillashaw by the throat.
Garbrandt is experienced beyond his years, as the Ohioan was a state wrestling champion in high school and an accomplished amateur boxer. You can really see the boxing acumen, as he is a patient counterpuncher who throws every strike with fight-ending intentions.
Dillashaw mixes an excellent combination of aggression and footwork to completely overwhelm his opponent in the striking game. TJ is also an accomplished wrestler at both the high school and university level.
- Cody Garbrandt -210
- TJ Dillashaw +170
