Tate is the new UFC champion. Photo: Christian Petersen/Zuffa LLC/
The zebra returned to fight for the title of the female bantamweight category. In the second most important fight of UFC 196, this Saturday (5), in Las Vegas (USA), Miesha Tate dethroned Holly holm in the final minutes to become the new champion of the 61 kg Ultimate category.
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In fact, Miesha came very close to achieving victory in the second round, when she took the fight to the ground and almost managed a choke. However, Holm survived and continued to control the fight, with good combinations of hands and legs.
The fight reached its decisive round with Holm most likely ahead on the scorecards. Tate attempted takedowns, but they were all rejected by the champion. However, Miesha made a clear attack and managed to catch Holm's back.
Then, the challenger managed a very tight rear naked choke. In desperation, Holly tried to free her arms, but to no avail. Then, the then champion tried a somersault in order to make Miesha lose the position, but the choke became even tighter. With 1min30s left in regulation time, Holm couldn't resist, blacked out and saw her rival take the belt.
“I felt like a pitbull grabbing a bone. She was a great warrior and refused to fight, which not even a champion should do”, praised Tate, still emotional moments after the fight.
Thus, Tate becomes the third champion in the history of the women's bantamweight division. The first, Ronda Rousey, was defeated by Holm in November last year, with a knockout that shocked the MMA world. Now, “Cupcake”, who has already lost twice to Ronda in the past, is the woman to beat in the category.
UFC 196 results:
MAIN CARD
Miesha Tate finished Holly holm with a rear naked choke at 3:30 of R5
Ilir Latifi derrotou Gian Villante in the unanimous decision of the judges (triple 30 to 27)
Corey anderson defeated Tom Lawlor via unanimous decision (double 30-27, 29-28)
Amanda nunes derrotou Valentina Shevchenko in the unanimous decision of the judges (double 29 to 27, 29 to 28)
PRELIMINARY CARD
Siyar Bahadurzada submitted Brandon thatch with a katagatame at 4min11s of R3
Nordine Taleb KO Erick silva with a punch at 1min34s of R3
Darren Elkins defeated Chas Skelly via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-27, 30-26)
Diego Sanchez derrotou Jim Miller in the unanimous decision of the judges (triple 29 to 28)
Jason Saggo defeated Justin Salas via TKO at 4:31 of R1
Teruto Ishihara knocked out julian erosa with punches at 34s of R2
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