Former UFC Women’s Bantamweight Champion Miesha Tate has said that she is willing to fight current Invicta FC Featherweight Champion Cristiane “Cyborg” Justino at a catchweight or featherweight, but she doesn't believe the UFC should be building a division for the dominant Brazilian.
"Personally, I think that 145 should either be in Invicta or Cyborg should make the catchweight of 140, or go to 135," Tate said at a UFC 205 media event. "I think putting a 145 should come behind adding a 125. So, in order of preference, I think the 125 makes more sense before adding a 145. The depth at 145 is getting there, but I don't think there's enough 145ers to make it a really quality 145-pound division yet."
Although Cyborg has talked in the past about how hard the weight cut is for her, Tate says that maybe the Invicta FC Featherweight Champion needs to change her approach to dropping pounds.
"Maybe there's more that can be done to help her get her weight down and make that final cut," Tate said. "I know she made 139 the fight before her last one. Those three more pounds is a lot, but I think with a proper diet that maybe it could be possible. I don't know. I guess it really just depends."
Tate has stated before that she would be willing to fight Cyborg, but ultimately, the decision is not up to her.
"I'm glad I don't have to answer that question," Tate said. "That is a tough spot. I think they've been doing the best that they can, having a catchweight at 140. There's plenty of women at 135 that will step up to the challenge and fight her."
UFC 205 takes place on Saturday, November 12 from Madison Square Garden in New York, New York, with Miesha Tate fighting Raquel Pennington.
