It has not been long since Miesha “Cupcake” Tate won the UFC women’s bantamweight championship belt. Now, UFC officials and fighters are wondering who her next opponent will be.
Miesha Tate defeated Holly “The Preacher’s Daughter” Holm after choking Holms into submission during the fifth round. Will the next contender be Ronda Rousey, her rival in the ring?
UFC bantamweight Bryan Caraway believes Rousey should have to “work her way” to get a title fight with Tate, his longtime girlfriend.
Miesha Tate not ready to commit waiting for Ronda Rousey to return for first title defensehttps://t.co/6vcfQnk6Ey pic.twitter.com/W9PHVgB72u
— FOX Sports: UFC (@UFCONFOX) March 11, 2016
“If we just keep the cycle of Ronda always in the mix, it’s not really fair for these other girls who put together a win streak and get pushed aside,” Caraway said to MMAjunkie.
Caraway thinks the UFC should consider a Miesha Tate – Amanda Nunes match instead.
“Nunes is on a three-fight win streak and is looking super tough,” Caraway continued. “She finished Sara McMann. She absolutely deserves that.”
I can’t wait for the call to make this happen @danawhiteufc @ufc @seanshelby pic.twitter.com/vy2ivw9JQz
— Amanda Nunes (@Amanda_Leoa) March 13, 2016
However, UFC Dana White has already decided to match the winner of this previous fight with Rousey. Betting lines had already favored Rousey in the upcoming fight although the match has not been confirmed.
Dana White: Ronda Rousey will fight Miesha Tate for the title next https://t.co/v9ZTBLpRuT #UFC #UFC196 pic.twitter.com/NqswWCXnei
— FOX Sports: UFC (@UFCONFOX) March 6, 2016
Caraway said Tate should not fight Rousey right away but she should give Holm the rematch she deserves.
Miesha Tate has spoken about the issue via Fox Sports: “I am the champion, I definitely want to stay active, I want to defend my belt, I want to continue to prove myself so whatever we all sit down and deem as the best route to do that then I’m ready. I’m ready to take on all comers so I think that’s the champion’s job. I’ll stay ready so I don’t have to get ready.”
On the other hand, Holm is desperate to get the belt back. She has set a 3-1 record in UFC after defeating Rousey and Marion Reneau.
Manager: Holly Holm not motivated by money, she wants Miesha Tate not Ronda Rouseyhttps://t.co/FG7kDTLuCM#UFC pic.twitter.com/Ts4UE7ngzB
— FOX Sports: UFC (@UFCONFOX) March 10, 2016