Miesha Tate Eyes One More Title Run as She Approaches 30th MMA Fight

DES MOINES, Iowa — Former UFC Women’s Bantamweight Champion Miesha Tate is gearing up for her 30th professional MMA fight, expressing confidence that she still has one more title run left in her. Tate, who previously held the undisputed 135-pound title, has returned to her original weight class after a stint as a flyweight.

“The weight cut is half the battle when you’re struggling with it, so it’s nice to just be at the weight that I feel like I’m very competitive at,” she told UFC.com as she prepares for UFC Fight Night: Sandhagen vs. Figueiredo. “I might not be the biggest bantamweight in the world, but I’m perfectly fine with that. I think I do well at this weight class.”

Tate’s return to the bantamweight division saw her break a two-fight losing streak, winning against Julia Avila in Austin, Texas, by submission. Reflecting on that fight, she said, “I feel like the stars were aligning…it’s not about winning or losing, it’s about being my best. And I think the performance really showed the mindset shift.”

In her upcoming fight, Tate will take on Yana Santos, a Russian fighter ranked 10th in the official UFC standings. “I love this matchup with Yana,” Tate said. “I grew up fighting strikers and being the wrestler and the grappler, and I feel like this is another classic matchup.”

Tate, who is now 38 years old, admits that she is still improving as a fighter, despite her lengthy career. “I just think I’m way better today than when I first started fighting,” she said. “I’ve explored so many different styles and approaches that I have a better understanding of how to adapt to challenges.”

With a victory over Santos, Tate could find herself back in the Top 10, which she eagerly desires. “A victory will put me right back in the Top 10, so that’s what I want,” she said. “It’s not about Yana, it’s about being my best. And when I’m my best, not only will I get the win, but I think I’ll do it impressively.”

Tate’s career highlights include her dramatic submission victory over Holly Holm at UFC 196, a moment that remains the pinnacle of her career. “When I went into that fifth round with Holly, I knew that I had to finish the fight,” she recalled. “It was just, honestly, the most amazing feeling.”

As she prepares for this significant fight, Tate’s mindset is clear: she aims to give her all every time she enters the Octagon. “I’ve always had this ‘never quit, never give up’ mindset, and I always go in there with that,” she said. “I’m gonna give whatever I have, and I’m not gonna quit.”

The fight is set for May 3, 2025, and will take place at Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines, Iowa.