Next month at UFC on Fox 16 in Chicago, Miesha “Cupcake” Tate faces off against Jessica Eye in what is being billed as a fight for the number one contender-ship to Ronda Rousey’s bantamweight title. Rousey defends the belt one week later at UFC 190, in what is being touted as one of her toughest challenges to date (but so have her last three fights and we all know their outcomes).
The landscape of the women’s bantamweight division will be altered, or certainly mapped out over the coming months. At some point, with the title on the line or not, it seems inevitable that Tate and Rousey will cross paths again. Could it be a different outcome this time? Do not bet against Tate just yet.
PRIME POSITION
Miesha Tate is currently — according to the official UFC rankings — sitting at number two in the world in the women’s bantamweight division. This is a more than deserved position after turning in three wins in her last three fights, but this has only come about after a baptism of fire in the UFC that saw her go 0-2 in her introduction to the octagon.
The UFC at the time was sitting on the verge of introducing women into its MMA ranks. It subsequently threw Miesha Tate in against Cat Zingano back in 2013, with the winner earning a shot at Rousey for the newly created title, and a spot coaching against her on the Ultimate Fighter. Zingano emerged victorious by TKO in the encounter and moved into the premier position.
Zingano then geared up for the ensuing television series and eventual bout with Rousey. However, her plans were quickly derailed as injury forced Zingano off the show and out of the bout. It was Tate who became the opposition for the media juggernaut that was becoming Ronda Rousey. The show was your typical Ultimate Fighter affair, with little love lost between Tate and Rousey which ultimately spilled into the fight for the title on December 28, 2013.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT
The fight between Ronda Rousey and Miesha Tate was a great encounter which did nothing but justify the decision of the UFC to introduce a women’s division. However, at the time it looked like Tate was just a lamb to the slaughter. There was little criticism of her heart and determination during the fight, these are two of her greatest qualities, proven in the contest by surviving two solid submission attempts in the first two rounds.
The cross-hairs where firmly pointed at Tate’s lack of ability against Rousey and one-sided nature of the contest, contrary to a build-up that suggested it would not be. Now we look back upon a Rousey who has remained unbeaten since the fight against Tate. A Rousey who has disposed of her last three opponents in under two minutes and has destroyed each — all billed as her toughest challenge to date — with alarming simplicity.
It now looks like Tate might be the only credible opponent currently on the UFC roster to threaten Rousey’s reign. Going just three rounds against the champion, in whatever manner, seems a feat in itself. This, coupled with the improvements we have seen Miesha make in her last three decision wins — against Liz Carmouche, Rin Nakai and Sara McMann — serve as signs of encouragement.
IS TATE A FUTURE UFC BANTAMWEIGHT CHAMPION
Looking past Jessica Eye would be a mistake for Miesha Tate, something that she does not need to be told. The potential to fight for the title again, especially if it’s against Rousey, should be motivation enough. Tate is 0-2 against Rousey, with the other defeat coming in Strikeforce where Meisha dropped the title. The next fight between the two will have most picking Rousey for the win.
Tate’s performance against Rousey back in 2013, her improvements that have been plain to see in her wrestling, takedowns and submissions, and the fact that she is taking some numbers in the UFC win column into the fight will mean that it may not be as clear-cut as it seems. “Cupcake” was twice crushed by Rousey, but do not be surprised to see her rise again and become the only fighter with a legitimate chance of prising the belt from around Rousey’s waist. Do not rule out Miesha Tate as a future UFC champion just yet.
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