UFC: Miesha Tate Says She ‘Loves Punching' Ronda Rousey In The Face

Former Strikeforce champion Miesha Tate has secured a shot against the winner of UFC 190 main event title match between reigning UFC women’s bantamweight champion Ronda Rousey and Beth Correia on Aug. 1.

Tate will have a chance to avenge her previous two losses to Rousey if the latter wins in her fight next month. The 28-year-old Tate admitted she enjoys a matchup against Rousey, who has beat her in 2012 and 2013.

"I’m always ready. I love punching Ronda in the face," Tate said as reported by Bloody Elbow.

The American fighter also claimed that her new punching power she has developed lately can give Rousey a better fight than before. Tate added that her “bigger goal” is to win over Rousey, but confessed that her “biggest goal” is to get the title belt.

"I want to say before I retire that I was the UFC world champion, so at the end of the day it doesn't matter who has the belt. That's the biggest goal,” Tate said after winning via unanimous decision against bantamweight contender Jessica Eye on Saturday.

UFC president Dana White officially declared “Cupcake” as the new No. 1 contender for the women’s bantamweight title after scoring 30-27 from all scorecards in the co-main event of UFC on Fox 16. White said Tate deserved to be the top challenger as she “has worked her way back to Ronda” as noted by MMA Mania.

According to Fox Sports, a trilogy with Tate could take place as early as the end of the year if Rousey wins over Correia. The fight would be considered as one of the marquee cards the UFC would put together.

Meanwhile, Tate does not see the title changing hands on Saturday, with Rousey as the favourite to win the bout against Correia. Tate picked Rousey to win, pointing out that despite Correia’s undefeated streak, Rousey still has the upper hand to be victorious.

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