This past weekend, Julianna Peña pulled off one of the greatest upsets in UFC history, submitting Amanda Nunes at UFC 269 to become the new women’s bantamweight champion. The upset created a seismic shift in the division, opening up an opportunity for other marquee fighters to finally get another crack at the title in a division that Nunes has ruled for over five years. However, for one former champion, Peña’s upset may have spelled the end of her bantamweight title aspirations for good.
Miesha Tate was the last UFC bantamweight champion before Nunes took the title, and following her return to the sport this year after a five-year retirement, Tate had made it clear that her intentions were to get herself back to a rematch with Nunes for the belt she lost to the women’s MMA GOAT. But with Nunes losing the title to Peña, a good friend and occasional training partner of Tate, “Cupcake” is now considering a drop down to 125 pounds to avoid having to face her friend.
“This definitely changes the entire landscape of the bantamweight division,” Tate told MMA Junkie. “I think what will be next will be Amanda and Julie. All signs point to that will be the next fight, and I think Julie wins that fight again, especially because Amanda has already been broken by her once. I believe Julianna can definitely do that again, probably with more ease the second time. I need to get in the win column again so I will probably fight in March, probably is what I’m looking at. I don’t want to fight Julie because I’ve rooted for so long for her to get there.
“A lot can change between now and then, so I have to win and do my job so I think what really I’ve got to do is win and focus on that. If Julie’s still the champion by the time that I get there, then I think that’s a conversation we have at that time. I’ve probably got to get two wins until I’m looking at a championship fight, at least, so I’ve got to focus on me and I’m going to continue to cheer on Julie and pray that we don’t ever have to fight each other.
“I know that Julianna can make 125 and I can make 125. There’s also those things too. It’s not out of the question for either of us to go hunting Valentina (Shevchenko) at some point. There’s lots of dynamics. I know she really wants that fight too so we’d have to see what happens if everything continues to play out in that direction, there’s always that possibility of us going to 125 for either of us too.”
Tate has flirted with the flyweight division before, even suggesting that 125 pounds would be a more natural fit for her than 135, back before the UFC had the weight class; however, a big impediment for her is the perception dropping down would create. Tate is coming off a unanimous decision loss to Ketlen Vieira at UFC Vegas 43 in November and the former bantamweight champion says she’s not enthused about leaving her longtime division on a loss.
“It’s something I’ve definitely thought about, but I definitely don’t want people thinking that I’m running at 135,” Tate said. “I hate the idea of leaving a division on a loss. It really bugs me. Something really bothers me about that, leaving the division on a loss. It’s something I’ve thought about, but at the same time, I feel like I need more time to digest all of that. It’s not out of the question by any means, but it would be a long process to get down to 125. I’ve been pretty vocal that I’m not a fan of big weight cuts, so I would probably have to do some things to change my body to get down to that weight, but it’s not something that’s way out in left field.”
Though a drop to 125 would certainly be difficult, it would also immediately open up a whole new world of opportunity. Peña’s upset over Nunes means the bantamweight division is likely going to be held up for some time as the two rematch, and possibly have a trilogy bout, and with Tate coming off a loss to the fifth-ranked bantamweight, she’s well out of the title conversation. But the flyweight division is a different story entirely. Valentina Shevchenko has already beaten the top-four women ranked in the division and is in need of a new challengers, particularly ones with the promotional appeal and pedigree of Tate. Should she make the decision to move down, Tate may only need one win to earn a title shot and a chance for a second UFC belt. It’s a tempting proposition, but one Tate says she has not committed to yet.
“It’s definitely something I feel like it would be an option,” Tate said. “I just have to decide to. I’m definitely leaning toward staying at 135 especially given the change-ups, but it’s definitely not something out of the question.”
TOP STORIES
Plea deal. Jon Jones strikes plea deal, domestic violence charges dismissed in Nevada.
Critique. Joe Rogan laments Amanda Nunes’ performance at UFC 269: ‘It’s inexcusable to be that tired in the second round’.
Delusion. Jake Paul believes with 2 years of training he could beat ex-UFC champ Tyron Woodley in MMA.
165. Eagle FC announces ambitious plans with all new weight classes, fighter signings and broadcast team.
Phenom. Kevin Lee ‘going to shed some blood’ for Khabib Nurmagomedov in Eagle FC.
Reason. ‘Bigfoot’ Silva: ‘I have no idea’ why I’m out of Eagle FC main event.
VIDEO STEW
Paul-Woodley II Press Conference Highlights.
Staredowns.
Top finishes from UFC Vegas 45 fighters.
Tyron Woodley fight camp.
Erin Blanchfield makes it onto TMZ.
LISTEN UP
Between the Links. Discussing UFC 269, Jake Paul-Tyron Woodley 2, and UFC Vegas 45.
Heavy Hands. Discussing UFC 269.
SOCIAL MEDIA BOUILLABAISSE
Masvidal.
Even at that very moment I’m still more coherent than your stupid ass
— Jorge Masvidal UFC (@GamebredFighter) December 16, 2021
This remains the craziest thing that’s ever happened in MMA.
The kick that changed my life.
— Anthony Pettis (@Showtimepettis) December 16, 2021
11 years and we still have not seen anything like it #ShowtimeKick pic.twitter.com/18SEGHQgZy
Beef.
What happened New Zealand Gangster don’t be nervous call you only can win here I am number 2 you win you get title shot make your move or you become a chicken https://t.co/xTkF6dK6ZB
— Askar Askarov (@askar_mma) December 15, 2021
“Flyweight savior”
As the flyweight savior I command you both to get it on. We need this smacking and fights to happen. Let’s go @Mickmaynard2 I want to see some ink on that paper . Sincerely the https://t.co/T5IdvWEdP6
— Henry Cejudo (@HenryCejudo) December 17, 2021
Booked.
Night night I have a fight
— Johnny Walker (@JohnnyWalker) December 17, 2021
Angela Hill.
Angela Trill is actually what I call my drunk alter ego https://t.co/rIG3xcwhI8
— Angela Hill (@AngieOverkill) December 17, 2021
Angela Hill but she’s a vital part of the ocean’s ecosystem.
— Nathan Quarry (@NateRockQuarry) December 17, 2021
Angela Krill https://t.co/yOUehQToQO
FIGHT ANNOUNCEMENTS
Alesha Zappitella (9-2, 1 NC) vs. Jessica Delboni (11-3); Invicta FC 45, Jan. 12.
Claire Guthrie (3-1) vs. Lauren Mueller (5-4); Invicta FC 45, Jan. 12.
Monica Franco (2-0) vs. Hailey Cowan (5-2); Invicta FC 45, Jan. 12.
Hilarie Rose (5-3) vs. Emily Whitmire (4-5); Invicta FC 45, Jan. 12.
Courtney King (4-2) vs. Ramona Pascual (5-2); Invicta FC 45, Jan. 12.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Thanks for reading, enjoy the fights, and see y’all next week.
EXIT POLL
Poll
Who wins?
This poll is closed
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Derrick Lewis
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Chris Daukaus
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