Miesha Tate Hints at Retirement: UFC Pioneer Unsure If She’ll Use Final Fight on Contract
Miesha Tate, one of the trailblazers of women’s MMA, may have stepped into the octagon for the final time. The former champion revealed she still has one bout left on her UFC deal but isn’t sure if she’ll ever return to action.
A Legacy That Began in Strikeforce
Tate’s journey started in Strikeforce, where she helped push women’s MMA into the mainstream alongside rivals like Ronda Rousey. When she joined the UFC in 2013, she quickly became a fan favorite thanks to her grit and relentless fighting style. Her crowning moment came in 2016 when she shocked the world by submitting Holly Holm to capture the bantamweight title.
Recent Struggles and Injuries
The last nine years, however, have been far less kind. Tate went 2–5 in her most recent run, including a unanimous decision loss to Yana Santos at UFC Des Moines. That fight, scored 29–28 across all three judges, came after a grueling rehab from reconstructive surgery.
“I ripped two ligaments and had to have reconstructive surgery,” Tate explained after the loss. “It was the hardest thing I’ve ever done—harder than coming back after having two kids. There were moments I thought I’d never fight again.”
Miesha Tate reveals she has one more fight remaining on her UFC contract but is not sure if she will fight again. pic.twitter.com/424gFum6ih
— JAXXON PODCAST (@JaxxonPodcast) August 31, 2025
“Leaning Towards Not” Fighting Again
Speaking on the Jaxxon Podcast, Tate said: “I’m not officially done, I still have one fight on my contract. But I wouldn’t do more than that. Honestly, I’m leaning towards not.”
She added that she has no plans to pursue professional boxing but could see herself competing in grappling matches, possibly under the UFC’s grappling or BJJ banner.
A Career Worth Celebrating
If Tate never fights again, she will still be remembered as a pioneer who helped shape modern women’s MMA. Her rivalries with Rousey, her championship win over Holm, and her role in legitimizing female fighters will forever remain part of UFC history.
At 39 years old, with a career full of highs and lows, “Cupcake” may finally be ready to close the cage door for good.
FAQs About Miesha Tate
Is Miesha Tate retired?
Not officially. She has one fight left on her UFC contract but admits she is “leaning towards not” fighting again.
When was Miesha Tate’s last fight?
Tate last fought Yana Santos, losing by unanimous decision in July 2025 at UFC Des Moines.
How old is Miesha Tate?
Miesha Tate is 39 years old.
Who did Miesha Tate beat for the UFC title?
Tate won the women’s bantamweight championship by submitting Holly Holm in 2016.
Will Miesha Tate do boxing?
No. Tate has ruled out professional boxing but is open to grappling or BJJ competitions.
