When Miesha Tate defeated Jessica Eye at UFC on FOX 16, it was supposed to earn her another title shot vs. Ronda Rousey, despite her 0-2 record against the champion. The fight was dubbed a title eliminator, but as it turns out, neither Tate nor Eye will fight Rousey at UFC 195. Rousey went on ABC’s Good Morning America and confirmed that Holly Holm will be her latest challenge in January 2016, news which never reached Tate or her manager beforehand.
In an interview with MMA Fighting, Tate expressed her disappointment and shock over losing out on her trilogy bout with Ronda:
“I am extremely disappointed how all the events unfolded this morning regarding news that I will not be fighting Ronda Rousey,” Tate said through manager Jason Jones.
“I was told after my last win that I had earned the title shot,” Tate said. “I’ve already begun training for Rousey and I was shocked to hear the announcement this morning. I regret this for not only myself, but my team, sponsors and the fans who like me believed my next fight was for the title.”
For what it’s worth, UFC president Dana White defended the change of heart by citing Tate’s two previous armbar losses to Rousey, and that Holm is a different, fresh match-up based on her last performance vs. Marion Reneau, as well as her boxing credentials.
In the meantime, the UFC is eyeing a potential fight between Tate and Amanda Nunes, who is coming off a big win over Sara McMann two weeks ago in Nashville.
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