Well, that came out of left field. Freshly minted UFC bantamweight champion Miesha Tate (pictured) will break in her hardware against Amanda Nunes at UFC 200.
The announcement was made on this week’s edition of “UFC Tonight.”
UFC president Dana White said Tate would likely make her first title defense against former champ Ronda Rousey this winter. However, it appears Tate didn’t want to wait around that long to get back to work and Rousey is still obligated to film “Road House” in May.
Holly Holm, who shocked the world by blasting Rousey in November to capture the crown only to get upset by Tate in March, was hoping to score an immediate rematch to reclaim the throne. Unfortunately for “The Preacher’s Daughter,” the UFC had other plans.
Tate has rattled off five straight wins, with all but her rear-naked choke on Holm coming via decision during her current run. “Cupcake” is one day removed from inking a multi-fight contract extension to remain with the UFC.
Nunes, meanwhile, scored next dibs by beating Valentina Shevchenko at UFC 195. The Brazilian is victorious in five of her last six outings.
This marks the second title tilt in the historic event. Jose Aldo and Frankie Edgar battle for the vacant interim featherweight belt in what’s believed to be the night’s co-featured attraction.
Conor McGregor vs. Nate Diaz II gets top billing on the marquee.
The July 9 card takes place inside T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Here is the show’s updated lineup:
Takanori Gomi vs. Jim Miller
Sage Northcutt vs. Enrique Marin
Joe Lauzon vs. Diego Sanchez
Johny Hendricks vs. Kelvin Gastelum
Gegard Mousasi vs. Derek Brunson
Cain Velasquez vs. Travis Browne
Amanda Nunes vs. Miesha Tate (UFC bantamweight champion)
Jose Aldo vs. Frankie Edgar (For UFC interim featherweight title)
Nate Diaz vs. Conor McGregor
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