Miesha Tate will finally be competing for the UFC women’s Bantamweight strap after a long, drawn-out wait.
“Cupcake” received her second crack at gold when it was revealed previous champion and adversary Ronda Rousey wouldn’t be ready for a title rematch with current 135-pound queenpin Holly Holm at the UFC 200 pay-per-view (PPV) in July 2016.
It all worked out for the best, seeing as how the duo of top-tier bantamweights wanted to face off with each other all along.
Tate, 29, is a winner of four-straight fights under the ZUFFA banner and most recently defeated Jessica Eye via unanimous decision last July.
After getting her wish, the Washington native gave her thoughts on the Holm match-up to Inside MMA:
“Without giving away too much of the gameplan, obviously footwork is an important part of it. I just think that Holly is a stellar fighter. She proved that you can’t underestimate anyone in this game. I think that we’re putting together a really solid gameplan to fight her. I’m sure it’s going to be a hell of a fight. She’s amazing, she’s undefeated, she’s the champion so I know I really have to bring it to her to try and take it away from her. Holly brings something to the table that I’ve never had to face before. Her boxing level, and kickboxing level are the most elite in the division hands down. She’s dynamic and knows how to move.”
“Preacher’s Daughter” has been on a promotional tear since she shocked the world back in November with her staunch dismissal of “Rowdy” at a record-setting UFC 193 event in Australia. Her striking skills are without question the most potent in the 135-pound women’s division.
They’ve been proven to leave you broken and scarred, but Tate is one fighter who swears she won’t be intimidated by the former world champion boxer’s stand-up credentials.
Holm’s Jackson-Wink MMA team recognizes this.
The Xtreme Couture product is a nightmare to deal with on the ground and has sullied the attacks of previous title challengers like Sara McMann and Liz Carmouche quite effectively. Tate is also someone you don’t want to piss off.
Watch out, Las Vegas. We saw what happened the last time money was heaped on an overwhelming favorite.