“She’s definitely not cut from the same cloth as Holy.”

The above quote is from Holy Holm’s manager Lenny Fresquez. According to Fresquez the UFC informed him before the fight was announced that it was Tate’s decision to fight Nunes at UFC 200. He was adamant that UFC CEO Lorenzo Fertitta called him and told him Miesha Tate had the choice to fight Holy Holm vs. Amanda Nunes.

“I take Lorenzo at his word,” Fresquez said. “This is what Tate wanted to do.” “We’d like to see that fight,” Fresquez said of the rematch. “We were expecting to get the fight. After all the trouble Miesha had getting a title fight, we gave her the opportunity. We feel like she took the easy way out, she took the easier fight.” “She said she wants the best fighters, but apparently she doesn’t,” he said. “She’s definitely not cut from the same cloth as Holly.”

Miesha Tate’s manager (Josh Jones) protests that no such offer was on the table.

“A fight with Holly Holm was never discussed when we met with the UFC,” Jones said. “We all agreed that Miesha should fight the best available and at this time it’s Amanda Nunes, who is currently on a three-fight win streak.”

While it’s anyone’s guess what actually happened, let’s look at the facts. Miesha Tate beat Holly Holm. Holm was definitely ahead in a close fight but ultimately Miesha Tate won, and knowing you’ve beaten your opponent builds confidence. Another fact is that the Dana White is in love with Ronda Rousey and hates Lenny Fresquez. He didn’t mince words when he teased Holy after her lose saying she lost the biggest payday of her life in not waiting for Ronda Rousey. With their very public verbal wars it’s clear that Fresquez and White don’t see eye to eye. The last and most recently clue is that Miesha Tate is open to fight the much bigger and stronger Cris “Cyborg” at a catchweight. In a recent interview the current Women’s bantamweight champ, she revealed that a bout with the newly added “Cyborg” would be a “win-win” situation.

“(Justino) is the most beastly woman and powerful and strong and just crushes girls, and I feel like, what do I have to lose? If I go out there and I can beat Cris, I feel like that says so much and it just adds to my legacy, and I would love to have that opportunity,” Tate said. “And you know what? If she beats me, then it is what it is. I went up in weight. But I’m willing to take on the toughest challenges.”

This doesn’t sound like woman who’s scared to fight anyone. Say what you want about Cyborg, she’s a beast. These clues coupled with the fact that it just makes logical sense for the UFC makes me want to side with the champion. If Meisha beats Amanda Nunes and Cris Justino “Cyborg” by the time Ronda comes back, the third fight would be epic. They’re simply building Miesha Tate up before the “Rowdy” Rousey comes back and then crush the billing with a fight Miesha Tate has a legitimate chance of winning. Miesha Tate fights Amanda Nunez at UFC 200 in July as a possible co-main event. Be sure to follow us on Fbook and Twitter