The MMA Daily

Originally supposed to happen at UFC 276, this Flyweight clash between Lauren Murphy and the former Bantamweight Champion Miesha Tate was moved to this card after Murphy tested positive for COVID-19. Returning for the first time since losing a title fight against Valentina Shevchenko, Murphy comes into this fight looking to rebound. Still third in the Flyweight rankings, Murphy can put herself right back in title contention with a victory. Meanwhile, for the first time her career, Tate will drop down to 125 pounds. Having recently lost to Ketlen Vieira, Tate’s Bantamweight title fortunes went wayside. However, clearly seeing the Flyweight divisions shallowness, Tate could be a victory over Murphy from challenging Shevchenko.

Not sure what to expect when Tate makes her Flyweight debut, one could expect that she may find herself stronger. A key aspect that could aide her already solid grappling abilities, in getting the fight to the mat. With exceptional cardio and evolved striking, which has seen her land 187 significant strikes in the past two fights, Tate is becoming more well rounded than ever before. In fact, in regards to the strikes landed, you’d need to combine Tate’s previous six fights to match that total. Hungry to knock off the former champ though is Murphy. A well rounded fighter, who is as tough as nails, Murphy is comfortable wherever the fight goes. Not strong in anyone area however, Murphy is more of a generalist. A knock on the former title challenger, as not having a strength has seen her involved in several close fights.

In what should be a relatively close fight, I’m going to give the edge to Tate. Given her recent high output striking and already solid grappling, in this new foray at Flyweight, I could the former Champion succeed. Especially if Tate proves to be stronger, the takedown offense and defense will see vast improvement. With that said, in a close one, I predict that Tate wins via decision.