UFC 177: Never trust the. . .odds.

I don’t like how it happened, but I do like the fact that the #1 contender spot has opened up at 135lbs. 

Renan Barao has been hospitalized after losing consciousness in his hotel room the day before his scheduled rematch with TJ Dillashaw, prompting the last-minute substitution of Joe Soto.  Former Bellator and current Tachi Palace champ Joe Soto, who was scheduled to make his UFC debut against fellow newcomer Anthony Birchak, was raised from the prelims to a title shot on one day’s notice.  Birchak was removed from the card.

I’m much more interested in seeing Barao rematch Dillashaw once both men have had the chance to evolve their games.  If they can each stack up a couple more wins, the rematch will carry greater momentum.  Right now, Dillashaw clearly has Barao’s number.  I don’t have much interest in seeing the same fight over again.  The first time was unexpected and triumphant.  Doing it again so soon just feels like humping after completion.

I’m glad that we’ll get the opportunity to see what Dillashaw can do against some of the top talent at Bantamweight, if and when he gets past Soto.  Can TJ adapt to Raphael Assuncao’s heavy hands after his previous split decision loss?  How will his speed and timing match up against Takeya Mizugaki’s?  Former champ Dominic Cruz is also back in the mix, and just typing that sentence makes me want to watch Cruz and Dillashaw mix it up.  I’d also like to see Barao take some time to see to his health, and only return when he is truly ready to be the Barao that looked unbeatable just a few months ago.

Keep your hands up, protect yourself at all times, and kick it with Rabbit Punch on twitter @Kevjmahon during UFC 177 tomorrow night.

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A new post is coming soon.  I promise I'm not just keeping my head down because I was so wrong about Dillashaw.  I'm just a lazy a-hole.