Current UFC Women’s Bantamweight Champion Miesha Tate made her first major late night talkshow appearance on Monday, as she was a featured guest on Conan on TBS. Unsurprisingly, one of the key points of discussion was Tate foe and multiple time Conan guest Ronda Rousey.
“I’m at the best point in my career and she’s at the worst,” Tate commented of her longtime rival (transcribed by FoxSports.com). “So I think I bring a level of confidence and I’ve been defeated before, but I’ve come back stronger for it. I question whether she will be able to do the same.
“I’m not saying she won’t come back – I just don’t know if she’ll come back the same. Cause she seems awfully pouty about the loss and it’s like we’ve all had losses.”
Despite the focus on Rousey in many of her recent interviews, Tate insists she’s not overlooking UFC 200 opponent Amanda Nunes, and knows there won’t be a third Rousey fight without her defending that title.
“Right now I’m really trying to stay focused on Amanda and I know everyone’s so excited for that Rousey fight,” she said. “I hope that’s something that happens, but I don’t want to overlook Amanda cause if I don’t beat Amanda, there’s no next.
“Granted, I go out there and do that, I feel like I’m in a really good spot. I’m at the top of the world and I feel crazy possessive over [the title]. That’s my baby and I’m going to protect it.”
Penick’s Analysis: Rousey’s continued absence and silence leaves the platform open for Tate and others to sound off as often as they’d like. If Tate beats Nunes it’s entirely possible the Rousey fight happens next, though the continued delay of Rousey’s return – and no clear sign on if and when she’ll actually be back – makes that prospect a bit murky. Still, that’s the fight there and ready to be made if Tate wins on July 9.
[Photo (c) Jayne Kamin-Oncea via USA Today Sports]
Attention iPhone/iPad and Android users, if you’ve enjoyed our app in the past and followed us there, or if you’ve never checked it out, make sure to update to the latest version in the Apple store and/or Google Play store. We’ve launched a new look for the app, in line with our recent desktop overhaul. Make sure to check it out!
For current App users, swipe right to view next article, swipe left to view previous article.
Leave a Reply