Sometimes the best thing a fighter can be offered after a tough loss is an immediate chance to get the bad taste out of her mouth.
That’s the exact opportunity that will be awarded to Ohio native Jessica “Evil” Eye (11-3, 1-2 UFC), as the banamweight fighter is set to take on Julianna Pena (6-2, 2-0 UFC) at UFC 192 this weekend in Houston. The bout comes just over two months after her heartbreaking loss to No. 1 ranked fighter Miesha Tate at UFC on FOX 16 in July.
Eye was dominating much of the first round against Tate, using her footwork and pinpoint boxing skills to keep the former Strikeforce champion at bay. It was a familiar scene for many who have watched Eye throughout her career, as her boxing is clearly some of the best in women’s MMA.
But then Tate threw a little jab and followed it up with an overhand right that put Eye on her butt. Her legs were noodles, and it was difficult for her to regain her composure in the fight. Eye went on to lose via decision, and she also lost a likely title shot against current champion Ronda Rousey.
But with all of that behind her, Eye now must look forward. Pena won “The Ultimate Fighter 18” before suffering a knee injury that stalled her fighting career. Now back on track after picking up a dominant win over Milana Dudieva in April.
The UFC obviously wants to test Pena, and putting her in against a seasoned veteran like Eye will give us a good idea of where she stands in the division.
The matchup is clearly a showcase for the women’s bantamweight division, as Eye is ranked No. 6 while Pena is ranked No. 12.
The winner will be right back in title contention, as Rousey is busy clearing the division of any and all challengers and has already defeated many of the women ranked ahead of Eye and Pena.
UFC 192 takes place on Saturday night at the Toyota Center in Houston and airs on pay-per-view following prelims on Fox Sports 1 and UFC Fight Pass. The main event features light heavyweight champion Daniel Cormier defending his title against Alexander Gustafsson.
Photo courtesy Jeff Sherwood/Sherdog.com