Miesha: Rousey vs. Carano is ‘kind of a joke’

UFC women’s welterweight contender Miesha Tate appeared recently on MMAJunkie Radio, and discussed the potential fight between champion Ronda Rousey and the former “Face of women’s MMA” Gina Carano.

I really feel that it’s just kind of a joke, said Tate as transcribed by MMAJunkie. It really is. Gina was a great fighter, and she’s a beautiful women. Ronda is a great fighter, and she’s an attractive girl. But to say that Gina should be able to come in after five years of nothing and take on arguably the best female fighter ever? Come on.

Women’s MMA has been working to legitimize ourselves for so long, and we finally broke the ice, we’re finally in the UFC, and we’re getting some credibility. Don’t take that away by putting a fight together that is based entirely on looks and has little to nothing to do with skill set.

The only thing that drives that is they’re both attractive. It makes the women’s title hold no value. It makes it look like it’s a joke and they just put whatever’s going to sell. If we’re going to really legitimize women’s MMA as a sport and have it respected as a sport, then you have to treat it as such.

I think what would happen is Gina would get a big payday and sign on the line. Worst-case scenario she gets thrown on her head and has to tap out to an armbar. I don’t see Gina beating Ronda. I know her striking is good and everything, but it doesn’t really matter if you can’t stop the takedown.

If Gina is serious about making a comeback, then I think I would be the perfect person for her to step in to fight against. I’m not the champion, and it makes kind of a mockery of women’s MMA to have her come in and fight the champion.

If she can beat me, I’ll wish her well on her way to the title, and I’ll definitely be rooting for her.

Kaufman responded, via Twitter.

Sarah Kaufman @mmasarah

How’scarano getting a title shot after long layoff any different than @MieshaTate getting one after getting KOd? UFC wants to sell, miesha