ESPN W recently interviewed Miesha Tate about her Body Issue photo shoot.
Morty Ain: What do you like about your body?
Miesha Tate: I like that I’m in shape but still look like a woman. I don’t feel like I’ve had to give up my femininity to be an athlete. I feel good about my body because I work hard every day, and I still look and carry myself as a woman — a strong woman. But because of the size of my legs and butt, pants are always too big in the waist. And anything with sleeves — forget it. I can barely find a jacket that fits my shoulders and biceps and won’t rip if I reach for something.
MA: Are you ever self-conscious?
MT: I never used to have an issue with it, but people have brought to my attention that I have an ugly nose. It’s been broken twice. The first time was in my first amateur fight, and then five weeks ago. Actually, I did the photo shoot just three weeks after it was broken. Sometimes I feel self-conscious about it or would like to change it, but I have to overcome that and embrace it. “Hey, it’s my nose, it’s who I am and what makes me different.” It’s just one of those things — no one is perfect.
MA: What would you define as your edge?
MT: I don’t take no for an answer. I don’t quit. Whether I come up short or win, I want to walk away knowing I gave my all. If I lose, my opponent was the better woman that night, but I gave everything. That’s what it’s about.
CagePotato came across some more Tate images.
