Miesha Tate was responsible for two surprises on Saturday night.
Not only did Tate, who was favored to win her fight at UFC 205 in New York, lose to Raquel Pennington, but then she stunned many more by announcing her retirement.
Tate announced her retirement during her post fight interview with Joe Rogan inside the octagon, immediately after her loss:
Wait WHAT?!
Thank you, @MieshaTate #UFC205 #UFCNYC https://t.co/oVmfbU8G8L
— #UFC205 (@ufc) November 13, 2016
Tate saying that she retired because of the outcome of the fight seems to indicate she was planning to make this announcement if she lost. They say that in combat sports, if you’re thinking about retirement, you’ve already lost. That appears to have been the case for Tate, who really shouldn’t have even been fighting.
If Tate does call it a career, she goes out as one of the most notable and significant female fighters in MMA history. Tate, 18-7, fought every big name in women’s MMA. She first captured the Strikeforce women’s bantamweight title with a win over Marloes Coenen in 2011 before losing that title to a surging Ronda Rousey, with whom she had a bitter rivalry.
Tate was one of the first women to fight in the UFC. Her heart and determination may be one of her best characteristics. After losing a second time to Rousey — her third loss in four fights — Tate rallied to win five straight fights and capture the UFC women’s bantamweight championship. She beat the likes of Liz Carmouche, Sara McMann, Jessica Eye, and eventually Holly Holm.
Tate has been fighting professionally for nearly 10 years. She is now 30 and has lost two in a row. With other top fighters like Gina Carano and Rousey discussing exit plans/leaving MMA for Hollywood, you have to wonder whether Tate will do the same.
