MMA

Miesha Tate - Multi-Talented MMA Fighter

Miesha Tate - Multi-Talented MMA Fighter

1. Miesha Tate Details

Miesha Tate Details
Name Miesha Theresa Tate
Nickname Cupcake, Takedown
Date of Birth 18 August 1986
Nationality American
Born Tacoma, Washington, United States
Age 36 Years
High School Franklin Pierce High School
College/University Central Washington University
Profession Martial Artist
Last Fight 2023
Last Weigh in Bantamweight Flyweight (125 lbs, 57 kg)
Weight Class Division Bantamweight Flyweight (125 lbs, 57 kg)
Height 5’6”
Net Worth Approximately $5 Million
Fought Out of United States
Foundational Style Wrestling
MMA Record 19-9-0
Belt Rank Purple Belt in BJJ
Awarded by N/A
Head Coach N/A
Team/Association Xtreme Couture
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2. Miesha Tate Biography

Miesha Tate is known for her dynamic and awe-inspiring fighting style, which has earned her the reputation of an emerging grappler in the world of mixed martial arts. Her skills in grappling arts, including wrestling and submission defense, have made her a dominant figure in the octagon.

2.1. Early Life of Miesha Tate

Miesha Tate's life journey started in the suburbs of Tacoma, Washington. She was born to Michelle Tate and Robert Schmidt on 18th August 1986. Miesha Tate grew up as a tomboy and spent much of her childhood playing football with the boys in her neighborhood.

2.2. Enrolled in Franklin Pierce High School

To continue the studies she enrolled in the well-known Franklin Pierce High School. Apart from the curricular activities, Franklin High school paid full attention to the co-curricular activities of its students. Such an appreciated and growing environment during her teens helped Miesha to discover her passion for wrestling.

2.3. Won First Amateur Wrestling Championship

During her early years of graduation, Meisha Tate joined the boy's wrestling team in her high school and quickly realized that she had a lot to learn. Initially, Wrestling classes in her high school proved an uphill journey for her. She recalled getting "Her butt kicked pretty hard for the first few weeks" and feeling like a "fish out of water."

However, Tate persisted and trained hard like a passionate grappler and eventually became a skilled wrestler. She continued her training along with her studies to compete on the national and international levels.

In 2005, when Tate’s almost ready to receive her degree from high school. She got the chance to compete in the girls’ state championship and eventually, she emerged victorious and won the title. This early success gave her the confidence to pursue her passion for wrestling.

2.4. Decided to Pursue Martial Arts as a Career

After high school, Tate attended Central Washington University, where a friend who was training invited her to join the mixed martial arts club. Tate decided to join the MMA classes along with her friend. This decision of Tate proved a turning point in her grappling journey. The excellent learning environment stimulated her passion for martial arts, and she began to pursue it seriously. Miesha Tate had a successful amateur record (5-1)  before transitioning to the professional ranks.

3. Professional MMA Career of Miesha Tate

3.1. Tate's MMA Debut

Tate professionally started her MMA career in 2007 when she made her professional debut in a local MMA event (one-Night HOOKnSHOOT Women’s Grand Prix). She won her first fight by a unanimous decision, setting the stage for a successful career. Over the next few years, Tate competed in several MMA organizations, including FCF (Freestyle Cage Fighting), CageSport MMA, and Atlas Fights.

3.2. Joined Strikeforce

On 27th June 2008, Miesha Tate stepped into the Strikeforce cage for the first time, marking her debut in one of the most prominent mixed martial arts promotions in the world. Strikeforce was known for televising their bouts on major networks like CBS and showtime, which play a major role in the worldly recognition of MMA's rising star, Miesha Tate.

Tate's Strikeforce debut was a defining moment in her career, showcasing her talent and determination to succeed in one of the most competitive arenas in the world of MMA.

3.3. Won FCF (Full Contact Fighting) Title

The successful MMA debut of Tate urged her to explore all avenues. On 4th April 2009, Miesha Tate won her first MMA title after securing a winning spot in the FCF women’s bantamweight division against Liz Carreiro.

3.4. Won Strikeforce Title

Miesha Tate's journey to become the Strikeforce Women's Bantamweight Champion was nothing short of impressive. After successfully defending her FCF title against Valerie Coolbaugh in January 2010, Tate returned to Strikeforce with a winning streak of three consecutive fights. However, her victory in the final round of the fight would earn her the title of Strikeforce Women's Bantamweight Champion.

After winning the strikeforce title, Miesha Tate defended her title on 30th July 2011 by faceing  Marloes Coenen on the mat. In a historic victory, Tate submitted Coenen, becoming the new Strikeforce Women's Bantamweight Champion and the first grappler to submit Marloes Coenen on the podium. This victory of Tate proved to be a match point in her career.

3.5. Female Fighter of 2011

Miesha Tate's astonishing performance in 2011 earned her the coveted title of the female fighter of the year.

3.6. Last Strikeforce Fight

On 18th August 2012, Miesha Tate stepped into the cage for her final fight in Strikeforce. It was a chance for Tate to prove once again that she was one of the best grapplers. Tate faced the highly experienced Julie Kedzie in her final Strikeforce bout and won the fight in the third round with her devastating armbar. 

3.7. UFC Journey

After the dissolution of Strikeforce in 2013, Miesha Tate found herself with a new challenge ahead of her. She joined the UFC in February 2013, and her debut was highly anticipated. Tate faced Cat Zingano in her first UFC fight at The Ultimate Fighter 17 finale on 13th April. The stakes were high, as the winner of the bout would earn a title shot against reigning champion Ronda Rousey.

Tate started the fight with full zest and zeal, winning the first two rounds against Zingano. But in the final round, she was defeated by TKO. Despite the loss, Tate's fortunes would soon change. Zingano had to withdraw from the title bout against Rousey due to a knee injury, and Tate was given the opportunity by UFC to step in.

Meisha Tate and Rousey faced each other on December 28, 2013, at UFC 168 podium. It was a highly anticipated rematch between two of the top female MMA fighters. But unfortunately for Tate, Rousey submitted Tate in the third round with her signature armbar, leaving Tate devastated.

3.8. Multimedia Appearances

Miesha Tate's appearances in various multimedia formats have greatly contributed to her popularity and recognition as a notable figure in the world of mixed martial arts. One of her most noteworthy appearances was in the 2013 documentary Fight Life by Z. Feng, which showcased the inner workings of the MMA world. This appearance propelled her popularity, and she was later featured as a playable character in the popular video game EA Sports UFC. Additionally, Tate was also cast in the feature film Fight Valley, where she played a character competing in an underground fight club. Her attractive personality and growing fan base earned her the title of "the most beautiful woman in MMA" by the Fitness Gurls magazine.

3.9. Tate Got Sponsorships

Miesha Tate's talent and success inside the octagon, coupled with her widespread popularity, have earned her several sponsorship offers. In 2014, Tate joined Kevin Harvick's KHI Management company by NASCAR, becoming the second MMA fighter to do so after Donald Cerrone. Her affiliation with the renowned company has led to several lucrative sponsorship deals with major brands such as Budweiser.

3.10. Miesha Tate’s Remarkable UFC Win

In March 2016 the annals of UFC history between Miesha Tate and Holly Holm showed the  unwavering commitment and tireless effort of Miesha Tate. Meisha earned the coveted title of UFC Women's Bantamweight Champion by winning the championship.

This success not only solidified Tate's place as a dominant force in Martial Arts but also garnered her a well-deserved Performance of the Night bonus award, a testament to her incredible skill and unmatched determination on the mat.

3.11. Retirement from UFC

Miesha Tate's career in mixed martial arts came to an end in 2016 after she announced her retirement following her bout with Raquel Pennington at UFC 205. Tate's career lasted for almost a decade and during this time, she achieved many great feats, including winning the Strikeforce Women's Bantamweight Championship and the UFC Women's Bantamweight Championship and many more.

Despite losing her first title defense to Amanda Nunes at UFC 200, Tate's contribution to the sport cannot be denied. Her determination and resilience are qualities that young female fighters can look up to and aspire to emulate. In her retirement announcement, Tate expressed her gratitude to her fans and the sport of MMA, which had given her so much love and fame.

3.12. Joined Sports’ UFC Analyst Desk

After her retirement, Meisha Tate joined the Fox Sports team as a UFC analyst, bringing her expertise and unique perspective to the desk.

3.13. Joined One Championship as Vice President

In 2016, Tate took on various roles in the industry, including working as a commentator and co-hosting a radio show. However, her passion for fighting never waned, leading her to join the ONE Championship in 2018 as a vice president.

“I am thrilled to join ONE Championship as a Vice President. I truly believe in its mission of unleashing real-life superheroes who ignite the world with hope, strength, dreams, and inspiration. I'm honored to bring my experience as a World Champion and to help inspire the next generation of athletes. And of course, I am excited to relocate to my new home, Singapore, and travel throughout Asia!”
(Miesha Tate)

3.14. Career as an Expert Sports Writer/Blogger

Career as an Expert Sports Writer/Blogger

Miesha Tate often used to share her personal opinions and experiences in her weekly column,
"From The Mind Of Miesha Tate."

Through engaging writing style, Miesha brings her everyday life to life for readers, providing insights into her championships, personal life, goals, and triumphs. Miesha's unique perspective and captivating storytelling make each installment of her column a joy to read.

3.15. One Championship to UFC Return

Miesha Tate's return to the UFC in 2021 marked an exciting moment for fans of mixed martial arts. Her victory against Marion Reneau at UFC on ESPN demonstrated that she still had the skills to compete at the highest level. Despite being out of the game for years, Tate's talent and dedication were evident in her dominant performance, which earned her the Performance of the Night Award for the second time in her career.

Unfortunately, Tate's journey back to the octagon hit an obstacle when she tested positive for COVID-19, forcing her to withdraw from her scheduled fight against Ketlen Vieira at UFC Fight Night 195. However, Tate remained determined to compete, and the fight was eventually rescheduled for November 20, 2021. Despite putting up a tough fight, Tate was unable to secure a victory against Vieira and lost via unanimous decision. Regardless of the outcome of her most recent fight, Tate's return to the sport she loves has inspired her fans and young grapplers.

3.16. Co-Hosted Sirius XM Show

In 2021, Tate co-hosted the show “Throwing Down with Renee and Miesha” on Sirius XM, which covers a wide range of sports-related topics. Her appearances in various multimedia formats and sponsorship deals demonstrate her significant influence beyond the realm of fighting, making her a true icon in the MMA community.

3.17. Won Celebrity Big Brother

Tate won the third season of the renowned television series “Celebrity Big Brother” in 2022, further cementing her status as a well-known Sports Star and Esteemed Media Personality.

3.18. Miesha Tate Decided to Move to Flyweight

After taking a break from MMA and returning in 2021, Miesha Tate made the decision to move to the flyweight division. Her first scheduled flyweight bout was set against Lauren Murphy on 14th May 2022. Unfortunately, a week before the event, Murphy tested positive for COVID-19 and had to withdraw from the bout.

The UFC fight was then rescheduled for 16th July 2022. Meisha Tate lost her flyweight bout despite putting up a tough fight. Against all odds, Miesha Tate never let disappointment get in the way of her grappling endeavors, instead, she remained motivated and persevered through any setbacks that came her way.

3.19. Miesha Tate Moves Back to Bantamweight

Former UFC and Strikeforce women’s bantamweight champion Miesha Tate will return to her original weight class after her flyweight debut. She will face Mayra Bueno Silva, a Brazilian fighter who has won five of her eight UFC bouts, at a UFC Fight Night event on 3rd June 2023.

3.20. Ranked in UFC Women’s Bantamweight Division

As of March 21th, 2023, the formidable Miesha Tate claimed her spot as #11 in the fiercely competitive UFC Women's Bantamweight rankings, solidifying her status as a true force to be reckoned with in the octagon.

During her career, Tate faced some of the biggest names in women's mixed martial arts, including Ronda Rousey, Marion Reneau, and Holly Holm. She also established herself as one of the most respected and beloved figures in the sport, known for her tenacity, technical grip on grappling techniques, and above all the ability to come back from adversity.

4. Fighting Style of Miesha Tate

Miesha Tate's fighting style is truly dynamic, and her grappling arts are a standout feature of her approach. Her expertise in wrestling and submission defense has earned her a reputation as a formidable opponent. Her early nickname "Takedown" speaks to her ability to execute double-leg takedowns with precision and power. Her ability to control the opponents against the cage and take them down with ease was a dominant feature of her earlier fights.

4.1. A Dominant Grappler on the Ground

Tate's training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu allowed her to become a true threat on the ground. Her ability to attack from side control and secure a body triangle from a rear position was a testament to her technical proficiency. She has the ability to employ various techniques including left jabs, knees from a clinch, right crosses, left hooks, and overhand right strikes.

Furthermore, Miesha Tate's fighting style is a masterful combination of technique, skill, and power. Her skills in grappling arts, including wrestling and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, have made her a dominant figure in the octagon. Her striking abilities were impressive, but it was her ground game that truly set her apart from her opponents. Tate's fighting style has made her a true inspiration to any aspiring MMA fighter and earned her the name of the "Queen of Ground and Pound."

5. Historic Fights of Miesha Tate

5.1. Miesha Tate Vs. Marion Renaeu

The highly anticipated bantamweight bout between UFC fighters Miesha Tate and Marion Reneau took place in 2021, and fans were treated to a thrilling grappling showcase. Both fighters utilized their grappling skills to try to take down their opponent, but it was Miesha who came out on top from the get-go.

Despite Marion's strong defensive position, Miesha persevered and managed to control her opponent with a powerful elbow takedown. In the second round, Miesha continued to dominate, pushing Marion around the octagon before ultimately landing a series of devastating punches that led to a knockout victory.

The fight was proof of Miesha's outstanding grappling skill and determination, and her impressive performance earned her the win in the third round. This bout showcased the intense physical and mental strength required to compete in the UFC, and fans were standing on the edges of their seats throughout the match. Overall, it was a memorable moment in UFC history and a true testament to the power of the incredible athletes.

Year Event Opponent W/L/D Method Round Weight Class
2021 UFC Vegas 31.HD Championship Marion Reneau Win TKO (Punches) 3 Bantamweight

5.2. Miesha Tate Vs. Holly Holm

The electrifying match between Holly Holm and Miesha Tate was a fight between two fierce and determined female fighters of MMA. Holly, who was known for her phenomenal kickboxing skills, started the fight with a flurry of aggressive kicks. She even landed a powerful punch on Miesha's Jaw bone that left her stunned for a moment. However, Miesha, being a reckless fighter, didn't let this setback affect her and came back with full force.

Miesha, a skilled grappler, quickly took control of the fight by executing an incredible takedown on Holly. Holly Holm, in an attempt to regain control, went for a full guard and tried to control Miesha's leg, but Miesha wasn't ready to give up her dominant position. She took Holly near the octagon and used the cage to control her, using her powerful elbows to keep her opponent at bay.

In the third and final round, Miesha continued to maintain her dominance over Holly. However,  Holly, who was trying to take down and pass Miesha's guard, could not match her opponent's grappling skills. Miesha, using her remarkable technique, controlled Holly in a rear naked choke (RNC) and forced her to submit.

Year Event Opponent W/L/D Method Round Weight Class
2016 UFC 196 Full Fight Night Championship Holly Holm Win Submission by (RNC) 3 Bantamweight

5.3. Miesha Tate Vs. Julie Kedzie

It was a thrilling match between Juile Kedzie and Miesha Tate, two of the best MMA fighters in the women’s division. The fight started with Miesha Tate landing some powerful punches on Julie Kedzie, who countered with her own striking and wrestling skills. Julie Kedzie stunned Miesha Tate with a head kick that pushed her to the canvas.

The crowd was excited to watch the two fighters exchange blows and submission attempts. In the final round, Miesha Tate showed her heart and determination by locking in an armbar on Julie Kedzie, who had no choice but to tap out. It was a remarkable comeback and a memorable fight for both fighters.

Year Event Opponent W/L/D Method Round Weight Class
2012 Strikeforce Championship Julie Kedzie Win Submission by (Armbar) 3 Bantamweight

6. Main Achievements

  • 4x Longest Active Win Streak in UFC WBW Division
  • Most Wins in UFC (x10)
  • Most Takedown in UFC (x25)
  • Champion of 2005 Washington State High School Wrestling Championship
  • Silver Medalist of 2008 FILA Worlds Grappling Championship
  • World Team Trial National Grappling Champion of 2008
  • Silver Medalist of World Team Trials 2009

7. MMA Career Statistics of Miesha Tate

Sub. Avg 1.3 %
Takedown Defense 55 %
Takedown Accuracy 29 %
Takedown Average 1.88 %
Significant Strike Defence 51 %
Significant Striking Accuracy 44 %
Significant Strikes Absorbed per Minute 3.10
Significant Strikes Landed per Minute 2.61

8. Available Miesha Tate Professional Record Breakdown

28 Matches 19 Wins 9 Losses
By Submission 7 3
By Decision 8 4
By TKO 3 1
By KO 1 1

9. Submission Method Breakdown

Submission Techniques 7 Wins 3 Losses
Armbar 3 2
RNC 1 1
Triangle Choke 2 0
Shoulder Choke 1 0

10. Fight History of Miesha Tate

Year Event Opponent W/L/D Method Record Round Weight Class
2022 UFC on ABC Lauren Murphy L Decision (unanimous) 19–9 3 Flyweight
2021 UFC Fight Night Ketlen Vieira L Decision (unanimous) 19–8 5 Bantamweight
2021 UFC on ESPN Marion Reneau W TKO (punches) 19–7 3 Bantamweight
2016 UFC 205 Raquel Pennington L Decision (unanimous) 18–7 3 Bantamweight
2016 UFC 200 Amanda Nunes L Submission (rear-naked choke) 18–6 1 Bantamweight.
2016 UFC 196 Holly Holm W Technical Submission (rear-naked choke) 18–5 5 Bantamweight
 2015 UFC on Fox Jessica Eye W Decision (unanimous) 17–5 3 Bantamweight
2015 UFC 183 Sara McMann W Decision (majority) 16–5 3 Bantamweight
2014 UFC Fight Night Rin Nakai W Decision (unanimous) 15–5 3 Bantamweight
2014 UFC on Fox Liz Carmouche W Decision (unanimous) 14–5 3 Bantamweight
2013 UFC 168 Ronda Rousey L Submission (armbar) 13–5 3 Bantamweight
2013 The Ultimate Fighter Cat Zingano L TKO (knees and elbow) 13–4 3 Bantamweight
2012 Strikeforce Julie Kedzie W Submission (armbar) 13–3 3 Bantamweight
2012 Strikeforce Ronda Rousey L Technical Submission (armbar) 12–3 1 Bantamweight
2011 Strikeforce Marloes Coenen W Submission (arm-triangle choke) 12–2 4 Bantamweight
2010 Strikeforce Challengers Maiju Kujala W Decision (unanimous) 10–2 2 Bantamweight
2010 Strikeforce Challengers Zoila Frausto Gurgel W Submission (armbar) 9–2 2 Bantamweight
2010 Freestyle Cage Fighting 38 Valerie Coolbaugh W Submission (armbar) 8–2 1 Bantamweight.
2009 CageSport MMA Sarah Oriza W KO (head kick) 7–2 2  
2009 Strikeforce Challengers Sarah Kaufman L Decision (unanimous) 6–2 3 Bantamweight
2009 Freestyle Cage Fighting 30 Lizbeth Carreiro W Submission (shoulder choke) 6–1   Bantamweight
2009 Atlas Fights: USA vs. Brazil Dora Baptiste W Submission (triangle choke) 5–1 1 Bantamweight
2009 Freestyle Cage Fighting 27 Jessica Bednark W TKO (punches) 4–1 1 Bantamweight
2008 CageSport MMA Jamie Lynn Welsh W TKO (punches) 3–1 1 Bantamweight
2008 Strikeforce: Melendez vs. Thomson Elaina Maxwell W Decision (unanimous) 2–1 3 Featherweight
2007 HOOKnSHOOT: BodogFIGHT Women's Tournament Kaitlin Young L KO (Head Kick) 1-1 1 Bantamweight
2007 HOOKnSHOOT: BodogFIGHT Women's Tournament Jan Finney W Decision (referee decision) 1–0 4 Bantamweight

11. Top Fights links of Meisha Tate

Miesha Tate vs Marloes Coenen

Miesha Tate vs Lauren Murphy FULL FIGHT | UFC ABC 3

Miesha Tate vs Kaitlin Young

Miesha Tate vs Ronda Rousey 1 - FULL FIGHT

Photo Credit: @mieshatate

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