MMA Preview – Lauren Murphy vs Miesha Tate at UFC on ABC 3
Click here for today’s sports betting tips from our expert analysts!
LAUREN MURPHY VS MIESHA TATE FACTS
When is UFC on ABC 3? Sunday 17th July, 2022 - 01:00 start (UK)
Where is UFC on ABC 3? UFC APEX, Enterprise, Nevada (US)
Where can I get tickets for UFC on ABC 3? Click here to buy tickets for UFC on ABC 3
What channel is UFC on ABC 3 on? BT Sport 1
Where can I stream UFC ABC 3? BT Sport subscribers can stream the fight online via the BT Sport website
For viewers in the United States, the event will be shown live on ESPN+ and you can sign up for access as part of a Disney Bundle here!
LAUREN MURPHY VS MIESHA TATE LOWDOWN
Lauren Murphy (15-5) has recovered from COVID-19 and on her way to New York for another huge match-up for her. After compiling a five-fight win streak which is rare in the female divisions, she earnt a shot at the flyweight queen. The pool of contenders is as shallow as it gets in the division, but it was hard to argue she did not deserve a title fight after beating Mara Romero Borella (2019), Andrea Lee (2020), Roxanne Modafferi (2020), Liliya Shakirova (2020) and Joanne Wood (2021). However, she inevitably got dominated by Valentina Shevchenko (2021) and eventually TKO’d in the fourth round.
She welcomes the former bantamweight champion and pioneer, Miesha Tate (19-8) back for her third fight since her retirement. She hung up her gloves after Amanda Nunes (2016) and Raquel Pennington (2016) battered her UFC record down to 5-4. She returned in July last year and it was like she never left TKOing Marion Reneau earning a ‘Performance of the Night’. She then took on a challenge too far in Ketlen Vieira (2021) who outclassed her in a unanimous decision, and now Tate drops down a division for another fresh start.
LAUREN MURPHY VS MIESHA TATE PREDICTION
It will be fascinating to see Tate down at flyweight although it is hard to forget her struggles making the 135 lbs mark. She is leaner since coming out of retirement, but this cut will not be easy and if she is depleted Murphy will make her pay suffocating her with her pace.
They are both tough as nails and their styles are similar as grinding wrestlers with average striking. They get hit a lot and if they exchange a lot of damage, it will favour Murphy who almost seems to enjoy it. Over the course of three rounds, we expect them to throw a lot of volume and spend a lot of time in the clinch.
Tate looked great in her recent win, but Reneau had already mentally checked out and was there to be beat. Add in this weight cut, it is surprising to see her as such as big favourite. We are backing Murphy to earn a hard-fought decision and it is no brainer considering the odds.
Prediction: Murphy via Decision - CLICK HERE FOR PARIMATCH'S WELCOME OFFER (BET £5, GET £30 IN BONUSES!)
Value Bet: Murphy via Decision