Miesha Tate is one of the most popular women MMA fighters. She has competed in several promotions and is a former Strikeforce and UFC Women’s Bantamweight Champion. Miesha is considered one of the most important figures in women’s MMA. She has faced some of the best female fighters, like Ronda Rousey, Amanda Nunes, Holly Holm and Cat Zingano. Tate retired in 2016 and then returned to action in 2021, posting a 2-2 record so far. Her most recent match was on December 3, 2023, where she scored a submission against Julia Avila.
Amateur Wrestler
Miesha was born in Tacoma, Washington and was a tomboy throughout her childhood. She used to often socialize with the boys in her neighborhood. Tate attended Franklin Pierce High School and was a basketball player. Eventually, she chose amateur wrestling and wrestled with boys from her freshman year until graduation. During her senior year, she competed in the girl’s state championship and won.
Seahawks’ fan
Tate grew up in Washington State, so it’s fitting that she became a die-hard Seattle Seahawks fan. Over the years, she has been seen at several games wearing Seahawks fan gear, supporting his favorite team.
Has a 5-1 amateur record
When Miesha established herself as a talented wrestler, she decided to pursue mixed martial arts. She compiled a record of 5-1 during her amateur career before deciding to turn official. Her first amateur fight was against Elizabeth Posener, who was one of the most talented Muay Thai fighters. Despite a relentless effort, her corner stopped the fight due to injuries sustained during the bout.
Won a silver medal in FILA Grappling
Miesha Tate has always been an incredible wrestler and has been successful in MMA by dominating her opponents on the ground. “Cupcake” has amassed a professional MMA record of 20 wins and 9 losses. Eight of her 20 wins came by submission. She competed in women’s grappling at the FILA Grappling Championships in 2008. Tate won a silver medal in the 72 pound class.
Dated this Former UFC Fighter
Miesha met Bryan Caraway at Central Washington University and the two got into a relationship. Both dated for several years, were regularly present at each other’s corner during their UFC bouts and supported one another’s careers. After being together for many years, the couple eventually separated and Tate began dating fellow UFC fighter Johnny Nunez. She and Nunez are still together and they have three children.
Has won three championships in her professional career
Tate has fought in various promotions and won championships in three of them. Her first championship win came in 2009 at Freestyle Cage Fighting, when she defeated Lizabeth Carreiro using a shoulder choke. Miesha later became the Strikeforce and UFC Women’s Bantamweight Champion later in her career and established herself as one of the most accomplished women fighters in the sport.
Rivalry with Rousey
The rivalry between Miesha Tate and Ronda Rousey is one of the most famous rivalries in MMA history. The two first faced each other in Strikeforce, where Rousey defeated Tate to win the Bantamweight title. Both women were eventually signed by the UFC and continued their rivalry at UFC 168. This time, “Rowdy” was defending her title against top-ranked challenger Tate. Despite Tate’s best efforts, she fell victim to Ronda’s armbar and lost by submission in the third round.
Achieved her dream of becoming a UFC Champ
After a four-fight win streak between 2014 and 2015, Tate was awarded a title shot against rising Holly Holm. Tate was a big underdog heading into fight week. Both faced each other at UFC 196, where “Cupcake” shocked everyone with a fifth-round submission to win the bantamweight title. After four rounds, Tate likely needed a finish to claim the title and become the new champion. She achieved a takedown and choked Holm unconscious, shocking the audience and MMA fans around the world. After a difficult and long journey, Tate finally achieved her dream of becoming a UFC champion.
She has posed for various Magazines
Tate gained immense popularity after she was signed by the UFC and joined the women’s bantamweight division. In 2013, Tate posed nude for the 2013 ESPN Body Issue. She also appeared on the cover of Fitness Gurls Magazine. She is considered one of the most beautiful women to compete in MMA.
A versatile women
Miesha Tate is one of the most versatile women in the sport. She is a former champion, a celebrity Big Brother winner, a mom and much more. Tate will go on to have an illustrious career in women’s MMA and undoubtedly earn herself a place in the UFC Hall of Fame. She has already returned to action and won two of her bouts against Marion Reneau and Julia Avila.
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