The UFC's women's bantamweight division is in the co-main spotlight this evening in Orlando, Florida. Miesha Tate (13-5 MMA, 0-2 UFC), fresh off of her title fight loss to Ronda Rousey, aims for her first UFC win as she faces Liz Carmouche (9-4 MMA, 1-2 UFC), whose last co-main event showing ended in defeat.
Both women have fought Ronda Rousey, and the end result has been a combined 0-3 with a series of armbar losses. These were Rousey's two title defenses in 2013 and now they fight each other tonight. You can catch all of the UFC on Fox 11 main card action on Fox at 8 PM ET/5 PM PT, with prelims on Fox Sports at at 5 PM ET/2 PM PT.
How do these two stack up?
Tate: 27 years old | 5'6" | 66.5" reach
Carmouche: 30 years old | 5'6" | 66" reach
How have these two done lately?
Tate: L - Ronda Rousey | L - Cat Zingano (TKO) | W - Julie Kedzie (SUB)
Carmouche: L - Alexis Davis | W - Jessica Andrade (TKO) | L - Ronda Rousey (SUB)
How did these two get here?
Tate wasn't supposed to get the title shot at UFC 168 against Ronda Rousey, who had previously mangled her arm in Strikeforce. A TKO loss to Cat Zingano meant Zingano was going to coach TUF 18 and fight Rousey at year's end, but as you know by now, Zingano got hurt, Tate assumed both roles, and took on her bitter rival to close out 2013. While Tate successfully got Rousey out of round 1, she was still thoroughly beaten and submitted in the 3rd round.
Carmouche had the honor of being the first challenger to Rousey's UFC crown, and was rewarded with a headlining spot at UFC 157. Following the Rousey setback, Carmouche was scheduled to fight Tate last July, but Tate's move to TUF 18 and a title fight forced a change of opponent, so she faced newcomer Jessica Andrade. Liz dominated Andrade and forced a TKO stoppage for her first UFC win. The former marine was slotted in the co-main of Fight For the Troops 3 against Canada's Alexis Davis, who picked her apart standing and won a clear decision, dropping Carmouche to her 2nd loss in 3 fights.
Why should you care?
Neither woman is anywhere near a title shot right now for as long as Rousey is champion, but Tate is just about always exciting to watch and this one should be no different.