Miesha Tate made her return to the UFC octagon with a stunning knockout victory over Marion Reneau this year. She secured the #8 position on the women’s bantamweight roster with this win. However, she faced a setback in her second bout since her return.
‘Cupcake’ took on the #7 Ketlen Vieira in the main event of UFC Vegas 43. The latter outclassed the former bantamweight champion and secured a unanimous decision victory after a five-round battle.
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However, Tate didn’t take away anything from the winner and gave her full credits for her performance. In the octagon interview with Daniel Cormier, the 35-year-old said, “I thought it was really close. I wasn’t sure, to be honest.”
“And I thought it was close, and I knew that there was a possibility she won. I did my best tonight and came up short. And She’s the better woman, hat’s off to her. She’s great. She’s awesome.”
HUGE right hand by @KetlenVieiraUFC 💥 pic.twitter.com/KeeEABo6cn
— UFC (@ufc) November 21, 2021
The former champion was hoping for a title shot against Amanda Nunes, who dethroned her from the bantamweight gold strap at UFC 200, with a win over Vieira. However, after this setback, ‘Cupcake’ will have to map her way back in the division to earn a title shot.
Meanwhile, the Brazilian fighter has cemented her position in the division with a win over the former bantamweight champion. It was a big achievement for Vieira to defeat one of the best female UFC fighters.
WATCH THIS STORY: Five Potential Match-Ups for Ketlen Vieira After Her Victory Over Miesha Tate at UFC Vegas 43
Ketlen Vieira Lauds ‘Legend’ Miesha Tate
The 12-0 professional fighting record holder, ‘Fenomeno’, made her UFC debut in 2016 and went on winning four straight fights. She made her mark in the division with her stunning performance.
After a setback in 2021, Vieira bounced back in the win column by defeating one of the best Miesha Tate inside the UFC cage. Chiefly, the Brazilian had nothing but respect for the former champion.
In her octagon interview, Vieira lauded Tate and expressed her interest in training with her in Las Vegas. She said, “I’d love to have the chance and opportunity to train with her. She’s a legend… I look up to her.”
The Brazilian bantamweight has second-most wins in the division, i.e. six wins after the champion Amanda Nunes, who has seven wins since 2016.
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‘Fenomeno’ currently holds the #7 position in the bantamweight division. Considering her dominant win over Tate, it will surely excite the fans to see what the UFC does next with her.
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What do you make out of Tate’s words? What are your thoughts about this fight? Let us know in the comments below.