UFC 183 is the final event of what has been an action-packed January for the Ultimate Fighting Championship. The story revolves around the return of Anderson Silva and his battle against the outspoken Nick Diaz. Yet there are many other important fights that will occur on the undercard.
One of those features Sara McMann and Miesha Tate, two women who are amongst the best in the women's bantamweight division. But this does not mean they are fighting for a shot at Ronda Rousey .
The UFC recognizes Tate and McMann as two of the best women who are a part of the 135-pound group. In the company's official rankings, they are in second and third positions, respectively. The top-ranked individual is Cat Zingano, who is poised to challenge Rousey at UFC 184. So what does this mean for the winner of the Tate-McMann fight on Saturday? That question has not been directly addressed.
Both Tate and McMann have turned around their careers since recent losses to the champion. Tate is riding a two-fight win streak, while McMann defeated Lauren Murphy in August. These wins were enough to keep them recognized as the No. 2 and No. 3 fighters in the division, yet they weren't enough to garner another shot at the title.
This fight should be recognized as an opportunity to keep these athletes busy while not removing any up-and-coming contenders they would potentially defeat.
Still, that does not mean this is not a valuable contest. Both competitors are aware how important a win would be at UFC 183.
“A win over Tate in this fight gives me the chance to tell the UFC to give me another title shot,” McMann told Duane Finley for UFC.com. “I believe I am the person to beat Ronda and want them to put me against her again. I'm stronger, better, faster and more aware than I was the last time I fought her and really want the chance to do it again.”
Tate has similar feelings about her chances in facing and defeating Rousey down the line. But she also knows that she has to get through McMann before any such battle can occur.
“She [Ronda Rousey] motivates me to be a better fighter and a better person. A stronger fighter and a stronger person. So I kind of revel in that,” Tate stated to Damon Martin of FoxSports.com. “It's something I look forward to and I hope I will have another chance to fight her. I think beating McMann makes a great argument.”
Sara McMann and Miesha Tate are two of the top names in the women's bantamweight division. Although they are standouts in the weight class, they were both unable to take the title from Ronda Rousey. Their fight at UFC 183 may not be a direct title eliminator, but they both believe a victory will put them on the path toward another title shot.
from Bleacher Report http://ift.tt/15N8gKL
via IFTTT January 29, 2015 at 05:24PM
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