UFC on FOX 16 results: Miesha Tate uses improved striking, dominant grappling to decision Jessica Eye

In Ultimate Fighting Championship's (UFC) women's Bantamweight division, a worthy adversary for champion Ronda Rousey has yet to truly emerge.

No .2-ranked Miesha Tate has already lost to "Rowdy" twice, but after her performance at UFC on FOX 16 earlier tonight (Sat. July 25, 2015) she may get a third chance.

Tate, 28, overcame a slow start to land the two biggest strikes of the fight, while proving to be the dominant grappler over three rounds to win a unanimous decision over fifth-ranked Jessica Eye at United Center in Chicago, Illinois.

All three judges scored the contest 30-27.

Eye started the fight out landing very crisp and clean punches with great success, but it wouldn't take long for Tate to swing the momentum later in the round.

The former Strikeforce women's Bantamweight champion landed a stiff jab that sent Eye backward and then followed that up with a big overhand right that floored Eye. "Cupcake" controlled Eye on the ground for the remainder of the round, landing several elbows while remaining in top position.

The second round was a repeat of the first round as Tate landed another big overhand right. Tate landed one more that knocked Eye to the floor once again. Eye attempted a triangle, but Tate was able to free herself from harm. Tate operated from Eye's half guard and wailed away on Eyes midsection with vicious elbows.

Tate remained in control and threatened with a guillotine late in the round, but Eye survived to make it to the third and final frame.

In round three, Tate landed a double-leg takedown and from there took Eye's back and controlled the action, but could not secure a submission. Eye would get back to her feet with only a few seconds left in the round after the referee intervened.

Tate had said she wanted a finish over Eye, but after this dominant performance she could very well end up with the next shot at Ronda Rousey, who is a heavy favorite over Bethe Correia at UFC 190 next weekend (Sat., Aug. 1, 2015).

Tate has now won four straight fights and improves to 17-5 overall. Eye drops to 11-3 (1) and is now 1-2 in UFC.

For complete UFC on FOX 16: "Dillashaw vs. Barao 2" results, including play-by-play updates, click here.