Miesha Tate-Rin Nakai Targeted for UFC Fight Night Japan
Miesha Tate will take on the undefeated Rin Nakai. | Photo: Dave Mandel/Sherdog.com
A women’s bantamweight clash between Miesha Tate and Rin Nakai has been targeted for the UFC’s return to Japan on Sept. 20.
The matchup was first reported on Wednesday’s edition of UFC Tonight, but the bout has yet to be announced by the Las Vegas-based promotion. UFC Fight Night Japan takes place at the Saitama Super Arena in Saitama, Japan, and is headlined by a heavyweight clash between Roy Nelson and Mark Hunt.
After falling to Cat Zingano and Ronda Rousey in her first two UFC appearances, Tate earned her first Octagon triumph in April, outpointing Liz Carmouche at UFC on Fox 11. The former Strikeforce titlist owns notable wins over Julie Kedzie, Marloes Coenen and Hitomi Akano, among others.
Nakai, 27, is unbeaten in 17 professional outings, with earned decision triumphs over MMA veterans Tara LaRosa and Sarah D'Alelio in her last two bouts. A grappling specialist who has competed primarily for Pancrase in recent years, Nakai has finished four of her wins by knockout and six by submission. The Japanese bantamweight has also received attention for her scantily-clad YouTube videos posted on the official Pancrase account.
view original article >>
