Top-ranked women's Bantamweight contenders Miesha Tate (No. 2) and Jessica Eye (No. 5) collided in the co-main event of UFC on FOX 16 last night (Sat., July 25, 2015) inside United Center in Chicago, Ill., with a potential title shot against division champion Ronda Rousey possibly on the line.
Indeed, it was a high stakes 135-pound scrap, which Tate ultimately took thanks to her toughness ... and new-found overhand right.
Early on, Eye appeared to have the clear striking edge, painting Tate's face with several jabs and overhands that appeared to have "Cupcake" a bit stunned. But then out of nowhere, moments later, Tate landed a loaded right hand that dropped Eye immediately to the canvas.
Eye survived, hugging Tate and avoiding her ensuing ground-and-pound until she was saved by the bell.
Tate landed the same punch in the second round, had more time to work, and eventually locked in a tight guillotine choke. However, once again she ran out of time as the round ended just as she appeared to have Eye struggling to remain conscious.
Tate once again got the fight to the canvas with about two minutes to in the third and final frame, only this time she used her grappling rather than her fist. She was able to get back control, but Eye had her wrists locked down and the referee decided to stand them up with 30 seconds remaining.
Eye tried to finish strong, but it was too little, too late, as Tate rolled to a unanimous decision win and, perhaps, a coveted third fight with the aforementioned "Rowdy."
For complete UFC on FOX 16: "Dillashaw vs. Barao 2" results, including play-by-play updates, click here.