Former Champion Miesha Tate Opens Up About Her UFC Retirement Plans: ‘I Can’t See Myself Fighting More Than…
Former Champion Miesha Tate Opens Up About Her UFC Retirement Plans: ‘I Can’t See Myself Fighting More Than…’
Miesha Tate, one of the pioneering women in mixed martial arts and a former UFC women’s bantamweight champion, has never shied away from speaking her mind. Now, as she inches closer to a possible end to her storied career, the MMA community is buzzing about what comes next for “Cupcake.”
A Storied Career in the Octagon
Tate was among the first women to step into the UFC Octagon back in 2013, going toe-to-toe with legends like Ronda Rousey. While she never got to even the score with Rousey, Tate managed to create her own highlight reel moment by submitting Holly Holm at UFC 196 in 2016, snatching the world title in dramatic fashion.
Nearly a decade later, Tate holds a 7-7 record across 14 UFC fights and boasts over 30 fights total in her pro MMA career, which began back in 2006. However, her recent run paints the picture of a fighter at a crossroads—she’s 2-3 in her last five fights, with her most recent outing ending in a decision loss to Yana Santos.
On the Fence About Retirement
Fans have watched other icons retire, and some—like this ex-Giants player—have spoken candidly about the difficulty of stepping away from elite sports. For Tate, that decision isn’t coming lightly. During a recent appearance on the Jaxxon Podcast, the 39-year-old fighter shared, “I’m not officially done. I still have a fight on my contract. One fight. I wouldn’t fight more than one more time. I’m not looking to re-sign.”
While she hasn’t made her final call, Tate even admitted, “I might be leaning towards not [fighting again].” Her honest self-assessment hints that the end of her UFC road is just around the corner.
Diverse Perspectives on Tate’s Legacy
The conversation around Tate’s retirement isn’t happening in a vacuum. UFC experts and fellow athletes have praised her contributions, with some calling for a Hall of Fame nod after her historic second world title. Meanwhile, the landscape is busy with new stars—like those in UFC Shanghai—ready to fill the void left by veterans.
Retirement in the fight game is never straightforward. Some legends have seamlessly faded away, while others—like the fighters discussed in successful UFC retirement strategies—find new life in commentary, coaching, or other athletic pursuits.
No Boxing Move for ‘Cupcake’
With several UFC alums trying their hand at boxing, like Luke Rockhold at Misfits Boxing 22, some fans speculated Tate might make a similar move. She quickly shut down the idea, saying, “Boxing, for real? Like, I’m not gonna go do that.” Instead, she left the door open for possible grappling competitions under the UFC BJJ banner once she’s done with MMA.
What’s Next for Miesha Tate?
At 39 and with just one UFC fight left on her contract, Tate looks set to call it a career soon. She’s ruled out fighting into her forties and isn’t interested in re-signing. As fans reflect on her journey—through highs, lows, epic rivalries, and unforgettable comebacks—it’s clear that “Cupcake” has carved out an enduring legacy. Her future, whether inside or outside the cage, will be watched as closely as her legendary battles in the Octagon.
For more on the shifting UFC landscape and how other fighters are managing their careers, check out what happens when a UFC icon is taken off the active roster.
Source: bloodyelbow.com