“It’s a different kind of feeling leading into this fight. I’m a fan of respectfulness and I think Holly’s a true sportsman. I like this fight, I like the matchup and it’s a little refreshing to not have it be against Ronda and have to go through all the drama of seeing each other all the time. Holly and I are very friendly. It’s just different, it’s nice… I didn’t know where I was at with everything honestly [when my promised title shot was taken away]. It was kind of a whirlwind of emotions. I don’t take a title opportunity lightly. I put my whole life into this sport right here. I put everything that I have to give and when I think I’m going to get a title shot, I’m like a hungry beast and you just took that steak away from me. I’m pretty pissed, you know? It was whirlwind of emotions but now here we are and everything worked out the way that it was meant to work out. So fate does have a way of finding itself and I think this is where I’m supposed to be.”
-Miesha Tate talks about her emotions over the last six months after her title shot was taken away, and why she’s enjoying the lead up to her fight with Holly Holm at UFC 197 during the pre-fight press conference this week (via FoxSports.com).
Penick’s Analysis: This is going to be a completely different style of fight for the two of then than what they’ve seen recently, and both present very different challenges for one another than either faced with Rousey. Tate obviously still wants another fight with Rousey, and if she beats Holm that becomes a fight she’ll get once more. On that note, it was smart of her not to take any other fights after that title shot was taken away. She found herself in the right place because of it given Rousey taking time off, and she’s back to the title shot she earned with her win over Jessica Eye last summer. This is a just a really good spot for her to start the new year.
[Photo (c) Jayne Kamin-Oncea via USA Today Sports]
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