Miesha Tate advises Cris Cyborg to trim down instead of rant for a 145-pound division in the UFC. (Photo : Getty Images/Jerry Markland)
Cristiane “Cyborg” Justino continues to bat for a 145-pound division which Miesha Tate feels is a long shot. “Cupcake” advised that it may be best for her to target the 140 catchweight to gain better chances at a possible match with Ronda Rousey.
Rather than going higher, Tate believes in adding a 125-pound division instead, MMAFighting.com reported. Between the two, it all boils down to the female talent the UFC has. And even if there were in the heavier classes, it would be better to trim down that add weight as far as performance is concerned.
Tate weighed in on the social media rants being made by Cris “Cyborg” Justino calling for a 145-pound division. Right now, that category best fits Invicta unless the UFC brings in more talent to comprise the category.
The move seems more catered to have Cyborg in the UFC as of right now. Could it possibly fish in Ronda Rousey, Cyborg’s main target? Highly improbable.
Tate believes that if Cyborg is dialed in to secure a match with Rousey, the safe call is a 140-pound catchweight. But if she is determined, trimming down all the way to 135 lbs. will likely be her best chance.
Unfortunately, Cyborg has sounded off before that the drop in weight makes a big difference. Hence, a reasonable compromise would be 140 lbs. It also opens up other possibilities like a potential match with Tate.
Tate believes that Cyborg can reach 135 lbs if she wills it. She recalls Cyborg making 139 lbs. but admits that the lost calories could make a big difference once the fight is on.
So rather than fight for a class which may have no opponent, Cyborg may want to consider Tate’s take on how she can get better opponents and reign in the UFC.
As for Tate, she meets Raquel Pennington at UFC 205 this Nov. 12 in New York, ESPN reported. Other than being part of the UFC’s return to the region, it could be a stepping stone for her next match – possibly against Amanda Nunes or even Ronda Rousey.
The video below shows Miesha Tate open to facing Cris Cyborg but only if it will be at the 135-catchweight.
