“I took this fight because the UFC called me up and asked me if I would fight and I said yes. It’s as simple as that. There was no mention of any other names… Ronda was clearly not able to fight, and I don’t know why they didn’t have me fight Holly. There were speculations that her management were not really on the greatest terms with UFC. I don’t know that. I can’t comment. But I wasn’t asked for any other fight than Amanda… I feel like there is a lot of pressure on me, but the thing that I really like about that is I know it, I accept it and I think that I really thrive under pressure. I put myself in these situations out of my own choice. I’m not here because of any other reasons, and no one is forcing me. I’m here because I like putting pressure on me because I know I perform the best under pressure. I think I was meant to be a champion.”
-Miesha Tate talks to ESPN.com about accepting a fight with Amanda Nunes at UFC 200 and why she welcomes the added pressures of the matchup.
Penick’s Analysis: The UFC’s decision to book this fight remains odd, especially with how much bigger the Holm rematch could have been with Rousey out indefinitely. Still, it’s commendable for Tate to welcome all challengers and to put those big money fights at risk. She’s a fighter, she believes in her ability to beat anyone, and whether that’s proven true or false on Saturday night, she deserves credit for taking that risk on. She clearly would have faced Holm again had that been presented to her, so that line of attack is best directed at the UFC for making this fight instead. If Tate wins this, as she very well might, that fight can come in the fall.
[Photo (c) Jayne Kamin-Oncea via USA Today Sports]
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