T.J. Dillashaw Talks UFC 177 Victory, Says Joe Soto Gave Him "Everything He Had"

T.J. Dillashaw spent months training for the heavily hyped rematch with Renan Barão. With Barão unable to compete, Joe Soto made his UFC debut headlining a pay-per-view for the bantamweight title.

Soto was out struck by Dillashaw, but surprised many by hanging in the fight. That was until the fifth round, when Dillashaw used a high kick to the head to help secure another stoppage win.

"You guys don't know him, but he's a tough guy and a tough opponent," said Dillashaw post-fight. "He gave me everything he had. My mind was on Barão like the last four months."

The UFC 177 card had been booked for months as Barão vs. Dillashaw in a rematch from UFC 173. Barão was deemed unfit to fight after collapsing prior to the weigh-ins. He now won't get an immediate rematch.

Soto was the Bellator featherweight champion for a short span starting in late 2009. He joined the UFC off six consecutive wins and was supposed to fight Anthony Birchak on the UFC 177 card. Soto took the title option over a fight with Birchak.

UFC 177 came from the Sleep Train Arena on August 30 in Sacramento, California. For play-by-play of the main card, please click here.