Miesha Tate plans to make ‘statement of her career’ against Lauren Murphy

Former women’s bantamweight champion Miesha Tate will make her flyweight debut on Saturday against No. 3 ranked former title challenger Lauren Murphy on the UFC Long Island main card.

With a win over Murphy, Tate would find herself on a very short list to fight champion Valentina Shevchenko next. She plans on making a statement at UBS Arena against ‘Lucky.’

“I really want to make this fight the statement of my career, so I have big plans for this fight,” Tate said during Wednesday’s UFC Long Island Media Day. “I am so ready to go.”

Tate knows a win could land her a title shot and the opportunity to become a two-division UFC champion. She’s optimistic about her future in the 125-pound division and plans to call for a title shot if she defeats Murphy.

“I’m dropping to flyweight, and I think I was always meant to be here and I just never had the opportunity,” Tate said. “I’ve got to win this fight and I believe that will put me in title contention. That’s what I’ll be calling for.”

The Tate vs. Murphy bout kicks off this weekend’s UFC Long Island main card. The Main card will air live on ABC.

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