Miesha Tate’s flyweight debut will have to wait a little longer, as her fight against Lauren Murphy has been pushed back from May 14 to the upcoming UFC 276 card on July 2.
Multiple people with knowledge of the promotion’s plans confirmed the move to MMA Fighting on Wednesday. Ariel Helwani first reported the switch.
Tate is going to fight at 125 pound for the first UFC bout when she returns in July. This comes after her victory on Celebrity Big Brother ..
The reality show wrapped up in late February, but there’s no word at this time if that played any part in the Murphy fight being shifted to a later date.
Prior to the original fight announcement, Tate explained her reasoning for dropping down to 125 pounds after spending her entire career in the bantamweight division, where she was also a UFC champion.
“When I got into the UFC, it was only 135 [pound division],” Tate told MMA Fighting. “I was so wrapped up at 135 in trying to win the title, then the rivalry against Ronda [Rousey],. Then I won it against Holly [Holm]..
“But, as the sport evolved, I have just rarely had a height advantage. I have rarely enjoyed a height advantage
Tate will draw a tough test in her first fight in the new weight class as she faces off with Murphy, who returns to action following a title shot against reigning 125-pound champion Valentina Shevchenko this past September at UFC 266.
Prior to that setback, Murphy had rattled off five wins in a row, including victories over Joanne Wood, Roxanne Modafferi, and Andrea Lee.
UFC 276 is the conclusion of International Fight Week Las Vegas. The promotion plans numerous events, including an induction into the UFC Hall of Fame that week.
MMA Fighting’s Mike Heck contributed this report.
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