Miesha Tate Was Always ‘Meant To Be’ In Flyweight Division

Miesha Tate said Saturday is exactly where she needs to be at.

Tate makes her flyweight debut against recent title challenger Lauren Murphy at UFC Long Island.

The two were supposed to meet at UFC 276 on July 6, but Murphy tested positive for Covid-19, pushing the contest back.

“I’m dropping to Flyweight, and I think I was always meant to be here,” Tate said during media day.

“I just never had the opportunity.

“The Flyweight division wasn’t introduced to the UFC until well after I retired. This last fight, which was a really narrow decision loss to Ketlen Vieira, really kind of prompted me. I think it was important that I did lose that fight. I’m glad it was a competitive one, but it was a bit of a sophomore slump.”

Tate had two fights since unretiring in 2021. She defeated Marion Reneau by third-round TKO. But she fell short in her recent fight against Ketlen Vieira, losing by unanimous decision.

“I really want to make this fight the statement of my career,” Tate added.

“So, I have big plans for this fight and I’m really excited for Saturday. The finish line is close.”