After a season of serving as coaches on The Ultimate Fighter (TUF) 18, Miesha Tate is happy to get another chance to avenge her championship loss to "Rowdy" Ronda Rousey.
"Cupcake" was submitted via first-round armbar almost two years ago, and at UFC 168: "Weidman vs. Silva 2," Tate will be relishing the opportunity to turn it around in her favor.
There were a lot of observers who caught a glimpse of Rousey's attitude and mean-spirited demeanor on the show, and although the champion insisted the cameras do not catch everything and that she was upset about how she could be portrayed, Tate is happy to welcome new fans in her direction.
However, the artist formerly known as "Takedown" is more than aware of fans who jump on the bandwagon for short periods of time, and is out to prove it to herself that she will hoist UFC gold while fulfilling a long-term goal.
Tate spoke to the media about public support, taking part in the UFC 168 conference call earlier this week (hear it):
"I think I've gotten motivation best from myself. My motivation going into this fight is just, I want to win this fight more than I've ever won any other fight. My goal was to be the UFC champion, so that in itself is motivation. It's nice to see that people are kind of siding with me, but there are so many bandwagon jumpers, I don't count on that. I've been loved in this sport, and I've been hated in this sport. It's not going to make me or break me either way."
Will Tate have more fans than Rousey in the building when the two step inside the Octagon at MGM Grand Garden Arena later this month?
Time will tell.
Check out more news and notes at our UFC 168: "Weidman vs. Silva 2" event coverage page right here.