Detailed Look at Former Bantamweight Champion Miesha Tate’s UFC Title Run And Accomplishments

Former Strikeforce and UFC women’s bantamweight champion Miesha Tate will make her long-awaited return to the octagon at UFC Fight Night: Makhachev vs Moises. ‘Cupcake’ will enter the octagon nearly 5 years after announcing retirement from the sport back in 2016.

‘Cupcake’ has been one of the best women fighters to represent MMA. Her successful stints in UFC and Strikeforce also enabled her to capture the prestigious bantamweight title in both promotions.

Let’s have a look at the timeline of his UFC title reign, from beginning to end.

First UFC title opportunity for Miesha Tate

UFC president Dana White had credited Tate and Rousey for bringing women’s MMA to UFC. The duo had a stellar career in Strikeforce that paved their way for applying their trade for the biggest MMA promotion.

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Tate got a chance to fight for the bantamweight gold in only her second match for the promotion. She fought the reigning champion, Ronda Rousey, in a rematch from their Strikeforce days. Unlike the last time, where Tate was the champion, this time around, Ronda had to defend her gold.

And just like their previous meeting, their rematch ended similarly as the champ ended Tate’s stay with an armbar submission. This loss was her second on the trot in the promotion after her debut loss against Cat Zingano.

Consecutive victories leading to a title fight again

After her back-to-back losses, Tate set her on a mission to get herself back in title contention. She picked up 4 straight wins leading up to a title fight against Holly Holm at UFC 196.

Holm defeated the former champion Ronda in stunning TKO fashion to hand her the first professional loss of her career. In her first title defense, she fought Tate.

In a 5 round classic encounter, Tate submitted Holm to win her first and only gold as a UFC fighter. She thus became the second fighter after Ronda to hold bantamweight gold in UFC and Strikeforce.

Taken down by the ‘Lioness’

Tate began her reign as a champion. Her first assignment was taking down her rival, Ronda Rousey. But later UFC announced Amanda Nunes has replaced Rousey.

Tate fought Nunes at UFC 200. In a match that was a one-sided affair, the ‘Lioness’ used her superior striking prowess and defeated Tate after locking her in submission inside round one to claim the gold.

Tate fought against Raquel Pennington at UFC 205. The latter defeated the former via unanimous decision. Subsequently, she announced her retirement from her MMA career.

Some other achievements for Miesha Tate

Tate has been a pioneering figure for women’s MMA. She is one of the fighters to convince Dana White that women can sustain in UFC. Along with her bantamweight championship accomplishments in UFC and Strikeforce, she also is also a former FCF Women’s Bantamweight Champion. Tate has also won a silver medal in the FILA Grappling Championships as well.

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With so many prior accomplishments, she certainly would be feeling to put up a memorable show, not only for her but also for her fans after 5 long years on the sidelines.

Can she regain her lost glory?