Had the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) not opted to go with Holly Holm as the next challenger to Ronda Rousey at UFC 193, Miesha Tate was the looming choice.
But since she has lost twice already to Rousey, a third meeting didn't actually make sense. As things turned out, it looks like such became a blessing in disguise since the Holm shocker win over Rousey makes it an entirely different ball game as far as the UFC women's bantamweight division is concerned.
For one, Tate could be at some point lined up against Holm, although that could depend on whether Rousey is up to the challenge of a rematch, which is reportedly set for UFC 200. There are some like Jose Aldo (via MMAFighting.com) who believe that Rousey will not return, although such is pure speculation.
Assuming that Rousey is not ready for an immediate rematch, such could open the doors for Tate. Should she succeed in taking down Holm, it would either be a rematch between the two or an eventual step toward getting that third face-off with Rousey.
In all, the whole scenario shows a wide U-turn that could help Tate get her much awaited chance in getting back at Rousey. But for that to happen, there will be a lot of complications, although it is safe to say that she has a good chance of taking Rousey's place in case the deposed women's champion opts not to return soon.
Hence, a third meeting could happen but it will need some plotting to make it happen. But standing in the way is a quiet and unpredictable Australian fighter named Holm whose feat will undoubtedly be ranked among the top sports stories (or shockers) for 2015.
Tate could likely care less since the landscape of her UFC career just took a possible turn for the best.
