Lauren Murphy wins a unanimous decison over Miesha Tate in brutal 3-round barn burner
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Murphy edged a unanimous decision over Tate
Meisha Tate will make her triumphant debut at flyweight against a tried and tested contender in Lauren Murphy. Both women know what it’s like facing the best from their time with Tate having gone against the likes of Nunes and Rousey back in her prime while Murphy has had a similar seemingly unconquerable challenge against Shevchenko.
Tate who returned from a 5-year long hiatus made quick work of fellow MMA veteran, Marion Reneau when she finished her via TKO in round 3. However, after a controversial decision loss to Ketlen Vieira, she ultimately made her choice to move down a weight class. Murphy on the other hand is trying to bounce back from her loss against the champion, Valentina Shevchenko. Although she put up a valiant effort, absorbing the champion’s best strikes, she was TKO’d in round 4 regardless. Now both women look to make their way back to the title.
This match is especially intriguing as Tate, at 40 wishes to make her last run at a title. Add to this that Shevchenko herself has put her plans to move up a weight class on hold as she wishes to see how Tate favors in her return. All in all, pretty high stakes.
Lauren Murphy beats Miesha Tate via unanimous decision
Round 1
The fight opens with Tate on the backfoot with her also initiating the first takedown though unsuccessful. A few lackluster strikes later, Miesha gain attempts a takedown to get caught and look hurt momentarily. Tate continued to throw telegraphed kicks that were easily blocked by Murphy. Murphy ks the more effective striker on the feet, withe redness showing on Tate’s face. Murphy looks for a takedown locking up Miesha’s lead leg with her rear, although she put her down to one knee, Tate was able to reverse to take over control and even scored a notable takedown, the first of the fight. Tate continued pressuring Murphy against the cage and was very successful in doing so. The final two minutes would be spent in the clinch, except for a last-second break that didn’t amount to much action
Round 2
Round 2 opens up with Tate, putting Lauren on skates, however Murphy is able to counter while moving back , even managing to land two strike combinations.Miehsa now busted up and bleeding through her nose looks to close the distance but is dominantly taken down by Murphy. After initiating a brief clinch, Murphy managed tro land a heavy elbow on the break, significant strikes for Murphy and Tate are 43 of 93, and 40 of 90 respectively. Tate lands single but precise strikes . Murphy tries to slam down Tate once again but the former champion is able to sprawl out of it. Tate then goes on to pressure Murphy against the cage while in the clinch. She return the favour by landing a heavy elbow on Murphy in the clinch. Round 2 ends with Murphy against the cage.
Round 3
The final round starts with both fighters landing single strikes off each other. However, at the 4-minute mark, Murphy is able to score another takedown although Tate is immediately back on her feet. Tate is still trying, unsuccessfully, to land her kicks but it leaves her vulnerable to takedowns. Murphy initiates another clinch and lands precise knees on the veteran’s body. Both fighters are showing heavy signs of damage, with Tate bleeding around the nose and Murphy suffering a cut to the eye. the third minute saw both fighters momentarily brawl before murphy tried another failed takedown. Both exchange jabs as Miesha tries for a last takedown at the 10 second mark although the two just end up brawling.
Official Decision: Lauren Murphy beats Miesha Tate via unanimous decision (30-27 , 30-27, 29-28)
Also Read: ‘I know it’- Miesha Tate calls out and is certain that she will defeat Valentina Shevchenko
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Jerin Mathew
(713 Articles Published)