Miesha Tate is one of the most recognizable names in the world of women's combat sports. The former Strikeforce and UFC women's bantamweight champion has fought in numerous MMA promotions and is considered one of the most significant figures in women's MMA.
She has fought some of the best female fighters in MMA history including Ronda Rousey, Amanda Nunes, Holly Holm, and Cat Zingano. After retiring in 2016, Tate recently returned to action and has thus far compiled a 1-1 record. She is expected to make her flyweight debut in the summer of 2022 to compile another potential title run.
10 She Was An Amateur Wrestler In High School
Tate was born in Tacoma, Washington, and preferred to hang with the boys during her youth. She was a tomboy during her childhood and eventually found herself at Franklin Pierce High School. Despite being a talented basketball player, Tate opted to pursue amateur wrestling and practiced primarily with the boys. In her senior year of high school, she won the girl's state championship.
9 She Compiled An Amateur Record Of 5-1
After establishing herself as a gifted wrestler, Miesha Tate decided to pursue mixed martial arts. She compiled a 5-1 record during her amateur career before deciding to turn pro. Her first amateur bout was against Elizabeth Posener who was considered a talented Muay Thai combatant. Despite a valiant effort, her corner stopped the fight due to sustained injuries during the fight.
8 She Holds A Silver Medal In FILA Grappling
Tate has always been considered a powerful grappler and succeeded in MMA by dominating her opponents on the ground. She also competed in women's grappling at the FILA Grappling Championships in 2008.
Tate won a silver medal in the 72g weight class. It was apparent from the beginning that combat sports would always be a part of her life.
7 She Is a Three-Time World Champion As A Professional MMA Fighter
Tate has won championships in three promotions throughout her career. Her first championship was in 2009 at Freestyle Cage Fighting when she defeated Lizbeth Carreiro using a von fluke choke.
Tate would go on to become the Strikeforce and UFC women's bantamweight champion later in her career and inarguably established herself as one of the most accomplished women in MMA.
6 She Is A Seattle Seahawks Fan
Growing up in the State of Washington, it is only right that Miesha Tate became a hardcore Seattle Seahawks fan. She has been seen at several games over the years, supporting her favorite team dressed in Seahawk fan gear.
5 She Dated Former UFC Fighter Bryan Caraway
Tate met Caraway at Central Washington University and the two were in a relationship for many years. The couple would regularly corner each other during their UFC fights and support one another's careers.
After staying together for several years, the couple eventually split and Tate began dating fellow UFC fighter, Johnny Nunez. The couple is still together and has two children.
4 She Had An Epic Rivalry With Ronda Rousey
The rivalry between Tate and Rousey is one of the most well-known rivalries in MMA history. The two first met in Strikeforce where Ronda defeated Tate by submission to claim her bantamweight title. Both fighters were eventually signed by the UFC and continued their rivalry at UFC 168.
This time around, it was Rousey defending her belt against the top-ranked challenger Tate. Despite Tate's best efforts, she fell victim to the grappling of the champion and lost by third-round submission. However, Tate was far from done.
3 She Posed For Notable Magazines
Tate's popularity was at an all-time high after she was signed by the UFC and joined the women's bantamweight division.
In 2013, she posed nude for the 2013 ESPN Body Issue. She also graced the cover of Fitness Gurls Magazine. Many have considered Tate one of the most beautiful women to compete in MMA.
2 She Mounted A Comeback Victory To Defeat Holly Holm & Clam The Title
After compiling a four-fight win streak between 2014 and 2015, Tate was awarded a title shot against the surging Holly Holm. The challenger was considered a heavy underdog going into fight week.
The pair collided at UFC 196 and Tate shocked the world by delivering a fifth-round submission to claim the title. After a back-and-forth four rounds, Tate likely needed a finish to be crowned the new champion. She secured a takedown and choked Holm unconscious, shocking fans in attendance and viewing from home. After a difficult journey to the title, Tate finally realized her dream of becoming a UFC champion.
1 She Has Done It All
Tate is one of the most versatile women in all of MMA. She is a mom, a former champion, a Celebrity Big Brother winner, and more. The former three-time champion will go down as having a legendary career in women's MMA and has undoubtedly secured a place in the UFC Hall of Fame.
Tate recently returned to action and is expected to make her UFC flyweight debut at UFC 276 for one final title run. She will be facing the always tough Lauren Murphy. If victorious, Tate can find herself on the shortlist of potential flyweight title contenders.
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