‘I Have Made the Commitment’– Miesha Tate Says She Took Inspiration From Jose Aldo and Henry Cejudo to Cut Weight

The former women’s bantamweight champion, Miesha Tate, has proven herself to be one of the top female fighters in the world. During her prime days, many considered her to be the best female fighter in the promotion. The American fighter made her mark as a former Strikeforce Women’s Bantamweight Champion before she came to the UFC.

Throughout her entire career, ‘Cupcake’ has fought at 135 lbs. However, recently, the fighter revealed some exciting news to her fans. She announced that she will be making a comeback to the UFC as a flyweight fighter, rather than fighting in the bantamweight division.

She confirmed this in an interview with MMA reporter, Ariel Helwani.

Miesha Tate said,” I have made the commitment to go down to 125… I think I automatically assumed that 135 was always my weight class. Because that’s all there ever was when I got into Strikeforce. It was only 135 and 145. When I got into the UFC, it was only 135 and by the time 125 came around I was just so enveloped at 135, trying to win that title and the rivalry obviously with Rhonda and then you know I did win it with against holly.”

“But as the sport has evolved, I’ve just very rarely ever had a reach advantage. I’ve rarely had a height advantage, and I started thinking about things like you know Jose Aldo dropping weight classes. You know, there’s been a lot of different instances. Henry Cejudo, you know what he did he did. It was a two-way class champ. “

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Tate mentioned that she drew inspiration from José Aldo and Henry Cejudo, the two-division champion. Aldo fought for the majority of his career in the Featherweight division and had a lot of success there as well. But later, after suffering a few losses, he moved to Bantamweight and has been extremely successful ever since.

What’s next for Miesha Tate?

If Miesha Tate comes down to the flyweight division, it is very likely that she will find success there, owing to her height and reach advantage compared to other fighters. 

Miesha Tate will be taking on Lauren Murphy at the upcoming event of UFC 273, in April.

This will be Tate’s debut fight in the flyweight division. If she walks away with a dominant win over Murphy, it is likely that we will see her get a title shot next.

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