Miesha Tate would have been thrilled had she gotten the chance to be Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) women's bantamweight champion Holly Holm's next opponent. Unfortunately, she will have to hold that thought at least for now.
Tate's name popped up recently, mentioned by Holm's manager Lenny Fresquez recently as the champ's next possible opponent. And while Fresquez's intentions may be good, the UFC doesn't think such is a good idea.
And with that, the UFC stands firm that it will be the former champion Ronda Rousey getting the first shot at Holm's title and it will likely take place at UFC 200 which will be held in July.
Fresquez was pitching on possibly having Tate as a tune-up opponent and the eventual opponent, believing that Rousey may not be ready by the time UFC 200 comes around. Tate shares the same concern but UFC president Dana White doesn't seem to share the same view.
With Rousey admitting that she is still on the road to recovery, Tate bares through the Times that Rousey may find herself returning abruptly which could eventually lead to another loss.
But as far as Rousey is concerned, it seems that she is ready to fight again and that this is what she wants. That plan does, however, seem to carry more of revenge and pride rather than practicality; but then again, Rousey has been known to defy the odds.
As for Tate, she, apparently, knows her time will come. For now, it is about facing whomever the UFC plans to throw at her.
Among the names being mentioned are Cat Zingano, Julianna Pena, and Amanda Nunes. Bethe Correia is also possible and Tate seems to want that one of all the names mentioned.
"I really just want to punch her in her mouth," Tate said of Correia via the LA Times. "I'm tired of her talking, and it honestly would be a grudge match, she added.
