Miesha Tate Chokes Out Holly Holm To Win UFC Women’s Bantamweight Title

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Since her stunning knockout win over Ronda Rousey at UFC 193 in Nov. 2015, many wondered how Holly Holm (10-1) would fare in her first title defense. We got the answer at UFC 196 when “The Preacher’s Daughter” defended her women’s bantamweight title against Miesha Tate (18-5).

We have a new champion.

Holm threw out a side kick early in the opening frame. She landed one later on in the round. The champion had her kick caught, but she slipped out. “The Preacher’s Daughter” pushed Tate back and later landed a quick jab. Holm kept her distance and “Cupcake” tried to find a way to get in close. Tate landed a counter left hand. She blocked a high kick.

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A counter left hand found the target for Holm. Tate scored a takedown and reached for the neck of her opponent. Tate connected with an elbow to the head. An elbow to the body found the mark for “Cupcake.” Tate remained in control as the champion gave up her back. “Cupcake” went for a rear naked choke, but Holm survived the round.

Tate threw a high kick with just under a minute into the third round. Holm popped Tate with a right hand. Tate ducked under for a takedown, but “The Preacher’s Daughter” stuffed it. Holm landed a jab on the challenger. Holm landed a few oblique kicks. Tate had her takedown stuffed again. The round ended with both women standing.

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The fourth round began and Tate avoided some kicks and stuck in a couple of jabs. Holm landed a body kick. She went for a side kick, but Tate caught the leg. Holm reversed the position and got Tate’s back against the fence. They separated from the clinch. A side kick found the mark for the champion. “Cupcake” shot in for a takedown, but it was stuffed and Holm landed a right hand on the break. A kick to the head followed by a combination landed for “The Preacher’s Daughter” as the round came to a close.

With the final round underway, Tate rushed in and threw some punches. An oblique kick landed for Holm. Tate connected with a shot to the body. Another oblique kick followed by a side kick found its target for the champion. Another takedown attempt was thwarted by “The Preacher’s Daughter.” The challenger pressed Holm against the fence, but the champion reversed the position. A push kick landed for “Cupcake.” A jab landed for Holm.

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Tate earned a takedown and got a hold of the champion’s back. She got the neck of Holm and choked her out to win the title.

Final Result: Miesha Tate (c) def. Holly Holm via submission (rear naked choke) – R5, 3:30