Miesha Tate retires at age 30

Former UFC women’s bantamweight champion Miesha Tate has retired following a unanimous decision loss to Raquel Pennington at UFC 205 in Madison Square Garden.

“It’s not my time anymore,” she said to commentator Joe Rogan. “It’s the future’s time.”

https://twitter.com/ufc/status/797645796699054080

“>@MieshaTate #UFC205#UFCNYChttps://t.co/oVmfbU8G8L

— #UFC205 (@ufc)

Wait WHAT?!

Thank you, @MieshaTate#UFC205#UFCNYChttps://t.co/oVmfbU8G8L

— UFC (@ufc) November 13, 2016

“>November 13, 2016

‘Cupcake’ began her career in a one-night, eight-woman tournament, going 1-1. She then went 5-0 before losing a decision to Sarah Kaufman, and then went 6-0 capped by defeating Marloes Coenen for the Strikeforce Women’s Bantamweight Championship.

Then came Rousey, who dislocated her arm in a move that ‘Rowdy’ likened to ripping the leg off a cooked turkey, and took the Strikeforce belt. Tate bounced back with a win over Julie Kedzie, and then the UFC acquired Strikeforce, and named Rousey champion.

Tate lost to Cat Zingano, and then through an unusual series of events, got another shot at Rousey, losing once again, but giving the champ a good run.

For the third time in her career, Tate came back from a loss with a great streak. This time Tate won five in a row, capped with winning the UFC women’s bantamweight title from Holly Holm.

Tate would lose the title in her first defense to Amanda Nunes at UFC 200 on July 9, 2016. Then Tate lost tonight, and has made the decision to retire at age 30. She leaves as one of the greatest fighters in women’s mixed martial arts, and a tremendous ambassador the sport.

The UnderGround wishes Tate every success in her future endeavors, which will no doubt include supporting her boyfriend Bryan Caraway, who is ranked #5 in the men’s bantamweight division, and seeks to repeat her championship success.