Miesha Tate vs Liz Carmouche set for Apr. 19 UFC show in Orlando

Miesha Tate, Liz Carmouche

Last night, Roger Simmons of The Orlando Sentinel reported that the UFC will return to Florida after a long hiatus with UFC on Fox 11 at The Amway Center in Orlando on April 19. The UFC quickly confirmed the show. One of the matches announced for the show will be former UFC Women's Bantamweight Championship contenders Miesha Tate vs Liz Carmouche. This should be the first ever women's match on the main card of a Fox show. Both Miesha and Liz have lost title shots and both have a long road back to that stature. Normally, one would think that they would be used as gatekeepers for UFC newcomers. But matching them against each other indicates a must win situation with the loser possibly subject to a UFC release. Ah, if only it was that simple. Both Miesha and Liz have marketing value beyond a win loss record. After Miesha lost to Cat Zingano, she got an undeserved title shot and TUF coaching slot when Cat got injured. Though I'm sure Miesha believes that taking Ronda Rousey past the first round is a victory of sorts, she still got whooped. That small victory stuff is such a load of crap. What Miesha really needs is an emphatic convincing win. It's been a long time since she has had one of those. But because of her sex appeal and popularity, I don't see the UFC releasing Miesha even if she does lose. Obviously at some point she has to win. I don't think she is at that point yet. Liz is a tough opponent but I don't believe she would have gotten a title shot if certain other fighters were interested. After beating Jessica Andrade in July (Miesha was the original opponent but was replaced when she was named TUF coach), Liz talked about getting another title shot. But Liz did not look good losing to Alexis Davis in November and her stock has decreased. So this fight could be a must win for Liz too. But as the first openly gay UFC fighter with a significant fanbase through that, she also has value beyond a win loss record. So though I don't expect either fighter to be released after a loss, I don't think a win makes either of them closer to another title shot.