Miesha Theresa Tate, affectionately known as “Cupcake,” stands as a true pioneer and enduring figure in the world of women’s mixed martial arts (MMA). A former UFC Women’s Bantamweight Champion and Strikeforce Women’s Bantamweight Champion, Tate’s career has been defined by grit, determination, and a relentless fighting spirit. From her humble beginnings in amateur wrestling to her recent ventures outside the cage, Tate’s journey offers a compelling narrative of athletic prowess, personal evolution, and unwavering dedication to the sport she loves.
The Genesis of a Fighter: Early Life and Amateur Wrestling Roots
Born on August 18, 1986, in Tacoma, Washington, Miesha Tate’s path to MMA stardom began not in a traditional martial arts dojo, but on the wrestling mats of Franklin Pierce High School. A self-described tomboy, Tate gravitated towards wrestling, joining the boys’ team from her freshman year and proving her mettle by winning a state championship in her senior year of 2005. This foundational experience in wrestling instilled in her the discipline, physical toughness, and grappling skills that would become hallmarks of her fighting style.
Her transition to MMA was a natural progression. While attending Central Washington University, a friend introduced her to an MMA club, where she found a natural fit among fellow wrestlers. This serendipitous introduction marked the beginning of “Cupcake’s” professional journey into the world of mixed martial arts.
Rising Through the Ranks: Strikeforce and Early Titles
Tate officially began her professional MMA career in 2007, quickly making a name for herself with her tenacious grappling and submission prowess. Her early career saw her capture the FCF Women’s Bantamweight Championship in 2009, a title she successfully defended once.
Her entry into Strikeforce, a prominent MMA promotion at the time, further elevated her profile. After a unanimous decision loss to Sarah Kaufman in 2009, Tate rebounded with several impressive wins, including a submission victory over Zoila Gurgel. Her perseverance paid off when she won the Strikeforce 2010 Women’s Bantamweight Tournament, ultimately leading to her capturing the Strikeforce Women’s Bantamweight Championship by submitting Marloes Coenen in 2011. This victory solidified her as one of the top female bantamweights in the world and set the stage for her future in the UFC.
The UFC Chapter: Championship Reign and Iconic Battles
Miesha Tate made her highly anticipated UFC debut in 2013, quickly becoming a central figure in the burgeoning women’s bantamweight division. Her time in the UFC was marked by a series of memorable and often grueling battles, showcasing her incredible resilience and heart.
Key Fights and Rivalries:
Ronda Rousey: Tate’s rivalry with Ronda Rousey was arguably one of the most significant in women’s MMA history. Their two encounters, first in Strikeforce and then in the UFC, were highly anticipated and drew massive attention to the sport. While both fights resulted in submission losses for Tate, they cemented her reputation as a formidable opponent and an integral part of the bantamweight landscape. Their second fight at UFC 168 was even recognized as the #9 Fight of the Year by UFC.com in 2013.
Holly Holm: One of the most iconic moments of Tate’s career came at UFC 196 in March 2016. In a dramatic come-from-behind victory, Tate submitted Holly Holm in the fifth round to claim the UFC Women’s Bantamweight Championship. This win was a monumental upset and is widely regarded as one of the greatest comebacks in UFC history, earning her the 2016 Submission of the Year and Upset of the Year awards from UFC.com and BloodyElbow.com. It showcased her unwavering resolve and ability to seize an opportunity when it mattered most.
Amanda Nunes: Tate’s reign as UFC champion was short-lived, as she lost the title to Amanda Nunes at UFC 200 in July 2016. Nunes went on to become one of the most dominant champions in UFC history, and the loss marked a turning point for Tate.
Throughout her UFC tenure, Tate accumulated an impressive record of achievements, including:
UFC Women’s Bantamweight Championship (One time)
Two “Fight of the Night” bonuses (vs. Cat Zingano, Ronda Rousey)
Three “Performance of the Night” bonuses (vs. Holly Holm, Marion Reneau, Julia Avila)
Second most Post-Fight bonuses in UFC Women’s Bantamweight division history (5)
Most submission attempts in UFC Women’s Bantamweight division history (12)
Tied for third longest win streak in UFC Women’s Bantamweight division history (5)
Fourth most control time in UFC Women’s Bantamweight division history (56:45)
Third most top position time in UFC Women’s Bantamweight division history (44:19)
Tied for fourth most takedowns landed in UFC Women’s Bantamweight division history (18)
“Cupcake’s” Fighting Style: A Grappler’s Mentality with Evolving Striking
Miesha Tate’s fighting style is predominantly rooted in her strong wrestling and submission grappling background. Known for her relentless pursuit of takedowns and her ability to control opponents on the ground, she has secured numerous victories via submission, including several armbars and rear-naked chokes. Her purple belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu further highlights her proficiency in this area.
While grappling remains her foundation, Tate has continually worked to improve her striking game throughout her career. Early in her career, her striking was often seen as her weaker link, but over time, she developed a more well-rounded approach, integrating effective punches and kicks into her offense. Opponents often noted her ability to absorb blows and keep pressing forward, a testament to her toughness and mental fortitude. Her fights often became “dog-fights,” where her resilience allowed her to overcome adversity.
Retirement and Comeback: A New Chapter
After her loss to Raquel Pennington at UFC 205 in November 2016, Miesha Tate announced her retirement from MMA, citing that it was “not her time anymore.” This announcement marked the end of an impactful chapter in her fighting career.
However, the allure of the Octagon proved to be strong. After a period away from active competition, during which she served as the Vice President of ONE Championship from 2018 to 2021, Tate announced her highly anticipated return to the UFC in 2021. Her comeback was met with excitement from fans eager to see the veteran fighter in action once again.
Her return to the bantamweight division saw her secure a TKO victory over Marion Reneau in July 2021, earning her a “Performance of the Night” bonus. She then made a brief foray into the flyweight division, losing a unanimous decision to Lauren Murphy in July 2022.
Her most recent fight, as of May 3, 2025, was against Yana Santos at UFC Des Moines. Despite a competitive outing, Tate lost the fight via unanimous decision. Prior to that, she had secured a submission win over Julia Avila in December 2023, showcasing her signature grappling skills with a third-round face crank.
While her latest fight resulted in a loss, Tate’s willingness to step back into the cage at 38 years old underscores her passion for the sport and her desire to continue challenging herself.
Beyond the Octagon: Media, Business, and Personal Life
Miesha Tate’s influence extends beyond her fighting career. She has become a recognizable figure in the wider sports and entertainment landscape.
Media and Public Appearances:
Tate has served as an MMA pundit, offering her expert analysis on fights.
She has modeled for various publications, including ESPN The Magazine and Fitness Girls.
She was a cast member in the feature film “Fight Valley” (2016).
Tate also won CBS Celebrity Big Brother 3, further expanding her public profile.
Entrepreneurship and Coaching:
Beyond her fighting and media appearances, Tate is a certified behavior change coach and a Hyperbaric Expert.
She hosts a podcast titled “Built for Growth by Miesha Tate,” where she shares insights on fitness, health, mentality, and behavior change, often featuring experts and personalities from various fields. This venture highlights her commitment to personal growth and helping others achieve their potential.
Personal Life:
Miesha Tate is married to Johnny Nunez, and they have two children. While she is a public figure, she generally maintains a private personal life, though public attention and rumors are an inherent part of being a professional athlete. Her focus remains on balancing her career with her family life.
Financial Success and Net Worth
Miesha Tate has amassed significant earnings throughout her career, primarily through her fight purses, win bonuses, and endorsement deals. Her estimated net worth, as of 2023, is around $6 million USD. This places her among the wealthiest female MMA fighters, a testament to her long and successful career in both Strikeforce and the UFC. Her endorsements have included prominent brands such as Venum, Dynamic Fastener, AutoShopper, Training Mask, and Reebok.
FAQs
Who is Miesha Tate?
Miesha Tate is a renowned American mixed martial artist, former UFC Women’s Bantamweight Champion, and a pioneer in women’s MMA. Born on August 18, 1986, in Tacoma, Washington, she began her combat sports journey as a high school wrestler before transitioning to MMA. Tate gained prominence in Strikeforce and later became a UFC champion, known for her grappling prowess and resilience in the Octagon.
What is Miesha Tate’s MMA record?
As of May 2025, Miesha Tate holds a professional MMA record of 20 wins and 10 losses. Her victories include 4 by knockout, 8 by submission, and 8 by decision. She has competed in both the UFC and Strikeforce promotions, facing some of the top fighters in women’s MMA history.
When did Miesha Tate retire and make her comebacks?
Tate first announced her retirement in November 2016 after a loss to Raquel Pennington at UFC 205. She returned to the Octagon in July 2021, securing a TKO victory over Marion Reneau. After a brief hiatus in 2024, she made another comeback in May 2025, facing Yana Santos at UFC Des Moines.
How did Miesha Tate perform in her latest fight?
In her most recent bout on May 3, 2025, at UFC Des Moines, Miesha Tate faced Yana Santos. Despite a strong effort, she lost the fight via unanimous decision. Tate showcased her grappling skills in the final round but was unable to secure a finish.
Is Miesha Tate considering retirement again?
Following her loss to Yana Santos, Tate posted a cryptic message on social media, leading to speculation about her future. However, she has not officially announced another retirement and continues to train and compete.
What are some of Miesha Tate’s most notable fights?
Some of Tate’s most memorable bouts include her victory over Holly Holm at UFC 196, where she captured the UFC Women’s Bantamweight Championship with a fifth-round submission. Her rivalry with Ronda Rousey, including two high-profile fights, also stands out in MMA history.
Has Miesha Tate expressed interest in fighting Ronda Rousey again?
Yes, Tate has expressed openness to a trilogy fight with Ronda Rousey if Rousey decides to return to MMA. Tate believes such a bout would be significant for both fighters and the sport.
What is Miesha Tate’s fighting style?
Tate is known for her wrestling background and grappling skills, often utilizing takedowns and submissions to control her opponents. She has also developed striking abilities over her career, making her a well-rounded fighter.
What is Miesha Tate’s current training camp?
Miesha Tate trains out of Xtreme Couture in Las Vegas, Nevada, a renowned MMA gym known for producing elite fighters.
Has Miesha Tate pursued any ventures outside of fighting?
Yes, beyond her fighting career, Tate has been involved in various endeavors, including serving as a vice president for ONE Championship, participating in reality television, and hosting a podcast. She is also active on social media, sharing insights into her life and career.
To conclude
Miesha Tate’s journey in mixed martial arts is a testament to her resilience, skill, and passion for the sport. From her early days as a high school wrestler to becoming a UFC champion, Tate has consistently demonstrated determination and adaptability. Her rivalries, particularly with Ronda Rousey, have played a significant role in elevating women’s MMA to new heights.
Despite facing setbacks, including retirements and comebacks, Tate continues to be a formidable presence in the Octagon. Her commitment to improvement and her willingness to face top competition reflect her enduring spirit. As she navigates the later stages of her career, fans remain eager to see what challenges she will undertake next.
Outside the cage, Tate’s involvement in executive roles, media, and advocacy showcases her multifaceted contributions to the sport. Her influence extends beyond fighting, inspiring a new generation of athletes and fans alike.
To read more , click here
