speak your mind
Courtesy MMALifestyles.com
Earlier tonight, Team Alpha Male product TJ Dillashaw moved one step closer to his dream of becoming a UFC fighter. During tonight’s episode of The Ultimate Fighter, Dillashaw—who competed for Michael Bisping on the show—continued his run of dominance when he took on top prospect Dustin Pague.
The god fearing bantamweight was decided taller than Dillashaw and on paper had a considerable striking advantage over the touted wrestler in TJ. Pague was coming off of an impressive performance against Bisping’s top pick in Louis Gaudinot—submitting the bantamweight spitfire in the second round, after bludgeoning with punches, kicks and knees.
Dillashaw proved game against Pague, out striking the kickboxer in the early goings of the bout before moving the action to the mat. From there, it was all Dillashaw, who dominated Pague on the ground, controlling position while throwing hard elbows from within guard, as well as sneaking in mounting punches as the bout progressed.
Pague’s one hope was a beautiful high knee that connected flush on Dillashaw’s chin, though the undefeated fighter remained poised and otherwise un-phased from the heavy blow.
Pague remained calm on the ground, but perhaps too calm, as the Jason “Mayhem” Miller protégé was too content with working off his back, despite making little effort in getting back to his feet.
In the end, a finish eluded Dillashaw, though the wrestling powerhouse had the fight in the bag, as all three judges unanimously named Dillashaw the winner by decision, making him the first 135-pound fighter to make it to the finals.
Now, the Californian will take on the winner between Miller teammates John Dodson and John Bedford who will meet in the next episode of The Ultimate Fighter.
