After months of speculation, Holly Holm will make her first UFC title defense against Miesha Tate at UFC 196. Holm shocked the world by claiming the Woman’s Bantamweight title by decimating Ronda Rousey at UFC 193.
“The Preacher’s Daughter” had opened as a heavy -350 favorite against Tate according to Sportsbook. “Cupcake” is coming back at +265.
Holm was a three-division boxing champion before joining the world of mixed martial arts. She was never much of a knockout artist during her boxing career, ending just nine of her 38 career fights, but is a master at using her length and technical striking ability to outpoint opponents. Holm opened her UFC career with two decision victories before showing off her power by knocking out Rousey.
Tate has long been considered the second best women’s fighter on the planet, behind Rousey. Tate is a grinder and will look to get into a grappling match, which she will very often win. She is legitimately one of the toughest fighters in MMA as we have seen her beaten down and her arm bent in ungodly angles without showing signs of quitting.
Holm deserves to come into this fight as the favorite after dominating the once-unbeatable Rousey. Her striking is some of the best in MMA period and is familiar to fighting in long distance bouts thanks to her boxing history. Tate will look to bring this fight to the ground and grapple with Holm, a position the champion has yet to be put in a lot. However, “Cupcake” has some sloppy striking, wading into tight spaces too often, which could easily play into Holm’s strength.
- Holly Holm -350
- Miesha Tate +265
