Lauren Murphy had no expectations concerning the subsequent opponent the UFC would give her following a loss to Valentina Shevchenko this previous September.
Being ranked close to the highest of the division however already falling to the champion put Murphy in an odd place the place she hoped for an enormous alternative to get again within the title hunt, however she couldn’t have been any happier when the matchmakers lastly referred to as with a proposal.
“Once they mentioned that Miesha [Tate] needed to struggle me, I clapped my fingers and I jumped up and down,” Murphy revealed on The Fighter vs. The Author. “I couldn’t thank the universe extra for giving me this present. That is excellent for me.”
As a former UFC bantamweight champion, Tate carries a variety of historical past along with her as she makes her debut at 125 kilos at UFC Lengthy Island. Tate additionally occurs to be one of many largest names within the historical past of girls’s MMA, due to an extended listing of accolades achieved throughout her profession, to not point out a previous rivalry with Ronda Rousey that put her within the highlight a number of occasions over time.
Now, as she embarks on a brand new begin at 125 kilos, Tate was clearly trying to make a splash in her new division, which is why she apparently selected Murphy as a primary opponent.
“She’s going to get what she requested for,” Murphy mentioned. “On this recreation, you’ll find yourself getting one thing you may not need.”
After all, the most important storyline surrounding the matchup virtually solely revolves round Tate, as a result of she’s not solely a star, however she additionally occurs to be one of many solely fighters with a recognizable identify who hasn’t already confronted Shevchenko prior to now.
Tate has acknowledged a number of occasions in interviews that she absolutely expects to leap to the entrance of the road for title competition with a win over Murphy.
As a lot as which may anger some fighters — the concept an opponent is stealing away the highlight — don’t rely Murphy amongst them, as a result of what higher technique to get again within the hunt for one more shot at UFC gold than to take out a hand-picked successor?
“I do like to be the underdog,” Murphy mentioned. “I do like to be the spoiler. But it surely’s like, after I see feedback concerning the struggle — and I don’t see too many feedback, however each time I do see feedback, it’s like, ‘That is going to be a sick struggle.’ That’s why they put us on an enormous card. I do know I’m going to point out up and carry out. I do know I’m going to have a terrific night time.
“These are the fights that I’ve earned and these are the fights I belong in, and it is a excellent alternative to showcase why. However I didn’t simply fall into this struggle by chance. I’m right here for a purpose too.”
Murphy understands why a lot consideration is being paid to Tate, however that simply raises the stakes for each of them come Saturday.
She appreciates that the UFC wants new blood to problem the champion, however Murphy has no intentions of letting Tate simply trot right into a title struggle on her first day within the division.
“I do know that individuals like to deal with Miesha and he or she’s a former champion and he or she hasn’t confronted Valentina but, and blah, blah, blah,” Murphy mentioned. “It simply doesn’t actually matter to me.
“I really feel like I’m on my dwelling turf. That is what I’ve accomplished my entire profession. I’ve gone in and upset folks, I’ve made it my night time. I wish to make fights soiled. I come out with the win and get my hand raised, and that’s type of been the story of my profession.”
