Tate explains decision to fight Nunes
Although much of the media and fans expected a rematch with Holly Holm, Miesha Tate explained her decision to take a fight with Amanda Nunes at UFC 200.
Late last night it was revealed that Miesha Tate’s first title defense would be against Amanda Nunes, and not a rematch with Holly Holm who she beat for the title. Although much of the media and fans expected a rematch with Holm, Tate explained her decision to take a fight with Nunes:
“She’s definitely not going to be an easy feat, but I want people to understand she is a very viable opponent,” she said. “I want to go out there and I want to show the world why I’m the best.”
As for a rematch with Holm not happening, Tate said, “it really boils down to that Holly wasn’t a long-reigning champion. She lost the belt in her first defense. It wasn’t like I was getting crushed on the feet or something that was an epic… She was edging me for sure. She edged me three out of the five rounds. The second round was a 10-8 on all three of the judges scorecards and I finished her in the fifth round. So it didn’t go to a decision, it didn’t end up in a tie and I finished the fight and I’m looking to fight someone new, someone that I haven’t beat yet. And I think Amanda, being on that win streak and having that momentum and that confidence. I think that says more, beating her, than it would beating Holly again.”