UFC 196: Holly Holm & Meisha Tate’s time to shine

After decisively defeating Ronda Rousey at UFC 193, Holly Holm became the leader of the pack. “The Preacher’s Daughter” became the one with the target on her back after winning the UFC Women’s Bantamweight Title. Her first major title with Dana White’s company was a result of years of hard work and determination. Now, all of that is put to the test against “The Cupcake”.

httpss://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X4JgRkYMJ-E

Holly Holm’s first title defense is this Saturday at UFC 196 against Meisha Tate. The PPV will be inside the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. Both of these women will be the co-main event behind Conor McGregor’s bout against Nate Diaz. Although they aren’t going on last, these two women will look to put on a fight that will get people talking. Holly Holm is a perfect 10-0 in the UFC, and has had an extremely successful boxing career. Her strikes and kicks are dominant against any opponent who faces her. Just ask Ronda Rousey.

Meisha Tate is not someone to be taken lightly however. Known for her ground-based attacks, Tate’s style is very different from the champions. She faced Rousey twice, losing both in very competitive matchups. After her last loss to Rousey at UFC 168, Tate won her last four fights. Tate was hoping for a rematch with Rousey, but she is still very excited to face Holly.

In an interview with MMAFighting.com, Meisha Tate discussed the matchup for this Saturday. Her strategy seemed to be based off of their different styles, as Tate stated:

“Holly is a very precise and clean striker and a clean fighter. I think I’m a messy fighter. I think I like to make things messy and I will. I will do whatever it takes to win this fight. If I don’t allow her to just be at that perfect range to land those perfect strikes, this could be a very ugly fight for her.”

Holly Holm will do whatever it takes to keep her title, and will definitely be up to the challenge. She is also looking to prove she is a legitimate champion. In an interview with ESPN.com, Holly discussed how she still appears in Ronda Rousey’s shadow within the media industry. There are critics that didn’t want her to fight Meisha Tate so she could be fresh for a rematch with Ronda. Holly Holm is doing things her way however, stating:

“I don’t ever want to feel like I’m being protected for one big fight or that I’m a paper champion. It actually is a big risk for me to take this fight but I like that. It makes me feel like I’m up against something big and that’s what I want.”

Both champion and challenger are very eager for this matchup, which should be one heck of a fight. Come this Saturday, there will be no politics or doubters inside the octagon. The only thing that matters for these two women will be the person in the opposite corner.