Miesha Tate out of title bout with Strikeforce champ Marloes Coenen; Liz Carmouche steps up in Tate's place

Top contender Miesha Tate has now bowed out of her March 5 title fight with reigning 135-pound Strikeforce women’s champion, Marloes Coenen.

Tate gained her position to challenge for the title when she came out the victor last August at a one-night four-woman tournament, defeating the likes of Maiju Kujala and former title challenger Hitomi Akano, dominating both women with her superior wrestling prowess en route to decision victories.

However, since succumbing to injury, Tate’s loss is another woman’s gain is undefeated Liz Carmouche will now be vying for the 135-pound strap against Coenen come this March.

Strikeforce officials have recently announced that Tate had suffered a knee injury in preparation for her title bout with Coenen, and now Carmouche will step up in her place. Liz is undefeated as a professional, rattling off a 5-0 record including two victories under the Strikeforce banner. In her last outing, Liz defeated former title challenger Jan Finney with a third-round TKO this past November.

Coenen, meanwhile will be making her first title defense on the March 5 show, which takes place at the Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio. She claimed welterweight gold when she submitted then undefeated star Sarah Kaufman with a third-round arm bar. She remains undefeated in the 135-pound class.

The event will take place on Showtime, and will feature a main-event pitting former PRIDE champion Dan Henderson against Strikeforce titleholder Rafael “Feijao” in a light-heavyweight bout. Coenen and Carmouche will take co-main event honors.

So, MMA peeps, what do you think of the news? Tate’s time away has yet to be determined. Sound off in the comment section below.