Two of the top fighters in the world at 135 pounds will face off in June as Miesha Tate squares off with Jessica Eye in a bout that will likely determine the next contender in the women’s bantamweight division.
UFC women’s bantamweight champion Ronda Rousey actually announced the fight during a press conference in Brazil on Friday with UFC president Dana White confirming the matchup as well.
White stated that the fight between Tate and Eye will take place in June although an exact date and location have not been determined yet.
“If she’s not getting Rousey, this is the next best fight for Jess,” Eye’s manager, Greg Kalikas, told FOX Sports about the matchup on Friday. “Another chance to make a statement against an elite contender in Tate. Jess wants that title and if the UFC wants her to go through Miesha first, she’s fine with that.”
Eye is coming off a brutal win over Leslie Smith last November where the Ohio native nearly knocked off her opponent’s ear with a series of punches early in the fight. Since that moment, Eye has been gunning for a shot at the belt, and it seems she’s only one win away from that opportunity.
Meanwhile, Tate returns following a three-fight win streak where she defeated Liz Carmouche, Rin Nakai and Olympic silver medalist Sara McMann in consecutive fights.
Tate has proven to be the top fighter in the world at 135 pounds outside of the champion and if she can defeat Eye in June she may get a third chance to dethrone Rousey later this year.
Stay tuned for more details on a date and location for Tate vs. Eye when it becomes available.