5 reasons why T.J. Dillashaw will beat Aljamain Sterling

#4. T.J. Dillashaw's offensive wrestling

Aljamain Sterling might be too great a defensive wrestler for T.J. Dillashaw to take down. But for Dillashaw's offensive wrestling to net positive results, he doesn't have to secure takedowns. Instead, he merely needs to establish the threat of his takedowns so that Sterling does not fight without fear of being grounded himself.

As a wrestler, T.J. Dillashaw relies on his explosiveness. While there's a greater breadth to his takedowns and overall wrestling, his primary threat is his blast-double-leg takedown. As a powerful striker, Dillashaw is quick to earn his opponent's respect.

Once his foes hyperfixate on protecting themselves from his punches and kicks, the former world champion's feints and fakes force defensive reactions from them. Typically, these reactions entail raising one's guard to block punches that target the head.

Watch T.J. Dillashaw's wrestling masterclass against John Linekar below:

However, if Sterling raises his guard to protect his face, he'll expose his hips, enabling Dillashaw to shoot right under. The point of doing so isn't to secure a takedown, but to force Sterling to think of more than just Dillashaw's striking.

Creating an overload of variables in Sterling's mind will allow the former champion to easily dictate his opponent's reactions.

A level change will cause Sterling to drop his hands in anticipation of a takedown only for Dillashaw to land a punch or kick over the top and vice versa. Since Sterling is not used to opponents who try to wrestle him in the cage, it will destabilize his primary approach and gameplan and force him into a defensive mindset that he's ill-equipped for.

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#3. T.J. Dillashaw is the far superior striker

Aljamain Sterling is a serviceable striker with a dynamic kicking game. Unfortunately, a kick-heavy approach is not without its drawbacks despite the superior power they feature compared to punches. A kick requires space, time and leverage to land with optimal power.

Thus, kickers typically fight moving forward as they pressure their opponents towards the fence.

Alas, 'Funk Master' does little else besides kicking. Meanwhile, T.J. Dillashaw is a complete striker who glides from one stance to the next as he constantly changes the alignments of striking exchanges while advancing.

Not only will Sterling not be in position to land his kicks due to Dillashaw's changes in alignment lining him with his power-hand for hard counters, but his constant forward movement will deprive Sterling of the space he needs to comfortably throw kicks.

Dillashaw is rarely a stationary target and often moves his head off the center-line. Furthermore, the threat of his wrestling creates openings for his powerful round kicks. Once he leaves Sterling concerned about being taken down, he'll do as he always does: dip low to tease a takedown. The moment Sterling drops his hands to stuff the takedown shot, Dillashaw will instead whip a kick at his exposed head.