Dominick Cruz Wins UFC Bantamweight Title In Split Decision Over TJ Dillashaw
The stage was set for the main event of UFC Fight Night 81 at the TD Garden in Boston. Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) bantamweight title holder TJ Dillashaw (12-3) defended his title against the man who never lost it, Dominick Cruz (21-1).
Immediately they moved towards the center of the Octagon. An inside leg kick connected for Cruz. “The Dominator” landed some body punches. Dillashaw went for a high kick, but Cruz turned it into a brief takedown. Cruz put together a combination. A body kick found the mark for Dillashaw. Cruz landed some punches while ducking and moving. The horn sounded with Dillashaw attempting a takedown.
Cruz ducked under and landed two body shots early in round two. He continued to frustrate Dillashaw with his movement. A stiff jab landed for “The Dominator.” A right hand found its target for Dillashaw. He followed it up with a couple of leg kicks. A stinging left hand found the chin for Cruz. Dillashaw charged in and was taken down twice. The fight quickly returned standing and the round ended.
Dillashaw telegraphed a high kick in the third stanza. Dillashaw tried to trip his opponent, but was unable to do so. Dillashaw landed a right hand and started to connect more than the previous rounds. Cruz took Dillashaw down and went for a choke, but his opponent scrambled out of danger. An uppercut from “The Dominator” found the target. The round ended when Cruz clipped Dillashaw, who stumbled.
Round four saw Cruz continue to be elusive early. A big leg kick found the mark for Dillashaw. Cruz earned his fourth takedown, but once again the Elevation Fight Team standout popped up to his feet. Cruz connected with a jab. Dillashaw secured a takedown. Dillashaw held his opponent against the fence and landed some knees to the leg. Cruz broke away and landed a jab. Dillashaw landed a right hand and the round ended.
Dillashaw attacked the leg of Cruz right away in the final frame. Dillashaw landed a right hand and threw a head kick. A jab connected for Cruz. Cruz switched his stance in response to another hard leg kick from the champion. Cruz landed a combination with a little over a minute left in the fight. Cruz landed a punch as he looked to go for a flying knee. The final horn sounded with both men trading punches.
When the score totals were read, it was revealed that two judges saw Cruz as the winner and he was award with the bantamweight title.
Final Result: Dominick Cruz def. TJ Dillashaw via split decision (48-47, 46-49, 49-46)
