Miesha Theresa Tate Bio
Miesha Theresa Tate is an American professional mixed martial artist born on August 18, 1986, in Tacoma, Washington. She competes in the women’s Bantamweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) and is a former UFC Women’s Bantamweight Champion. Tate also held the Strikeforce Women’s Bantamweight Championship and served as vice president of ONE Championship. As of May 6, 2025, she is ranked #13 in the UFC women’s bantamweight rankings.
Early Life and Background
Miesha Tate was born to Michelle Tate and Robert Schmidt in Tacoma, Washington. Growing up as a tomboy, she often played with boys in her neighborhood. While attending Franklin Pierce High School, Tate chose amateur wrestling over basketball and competed on the boys’ wrestling team from freshman year through graduation. She won the girls’ state wrestling championship in her senior year in 2005.
After high school, Tate attended Central Washington University. There, a friend introduced her to the mixed martial arts (MMA) club, where she found a community of wrestlers and began training seriously in MMA. This exposure laid the foundation for her professional fighting career.
Path to MMA
Tate began her amateur MMA career in March 2006, initially hesitant about the physicality of the sport. She compiled a 5–1 amateur record before turning professional in 2007. Her early professional fights took place in smaller promotions, where she gained valuable experience and honed her grappling and submission skills.
Her wrestling background and submission wrestling stance became key assets as she progressed. Tate earned a purple belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, complementing her wrestling base. These skills helped her transition successfully to larger organizations like Strikeforce and eventually the UFC.
Miesha Theresa Tate Career
Early Career (2007–2011)
Tate made her professional MMA debut in November 2007 at the HOOKnSHOOT Women’s Grand Prix. She fought in various regional promotions, accumulating wins and gaining recognition. In 2008, she debuted in Strikeforce, defeating Elaina Maxwell by unanimous decision. Tate captured the Freestyle Cage Fighting (FCF) Women’s Bantamweight Championship in 2009 and defended it successfully.
Her grappling prowess was evident as she won the Strikeforce Women’s Bantamweight Tournament in 2010. Despite a knee injury delaying a title shot, Tate defeated Marloes Coenen in 2011 by submission to become the Strikeforce Women’s Bantamweight Champion, marking a significant milestone in her career.
Strikeforce Breakthrough (2011–2012)
As Strikeforce Women’s Bantamweight Champion, Tate defended her title against top contenders. Her rivalry with Ronda Rousey became a defining storyline. Tate lost the title to Rousey in a highly publicized fight in 2012, where she resisted Rousey’s armbar submission before ultimately tapping out. This bout helped elevate women’s MMA visibility.
Following the loss, Tate rebounded with a notable submission victory over Julie Kedzie. Her tenure in Strikeforce established her as one of the premier female fighters in the bantamweight division and set the stage for her UFC career.
Ultimate Fighting Championship Era (2013–Present)
After Strikeforce folded, Tate joined the UFC in 2013. She debuted against Cat Zingano in a bout that earned Fight of the Night honors despite her loss. Tate then earned a title shot against Ronda Rousey at UFC 168 but was defeated by armbar submission in the third round.
Tate secured several wins in the UFC, including victories over Liz Carmouche, Rin Nakai, and Sara McMann. In 2016, she captured the UFC Women’s Bantamweight Championship by defeating Holly Holm via rear-naked choke submission. Tate’s reign was short-lived, as she lost the title to Amanda Nunes later that year.
After a loss to Raquel Pennington in 2016, Tate announced her retirement from MMA. She returned to competition in 2021, winning a fight against Marion Reneau and earning Performance of the Night honors. Tate continued competing in the bantamweight and flyweight divisions, with notable fights through 2025.
Driving Style and Strengths
Tate is known for her wrestling-heavy style combined with submission wrestling expertise. She utilizes powerful takedowns, ground control, and a diverse submission arsenal including armbars, triangle chokes, and rear-naked chokes. Her ability to escape submissions and maintain top control has been a hallmark of her fighting craft.
Notable Events and Milestones
Tate was the first woman to submit Marloes Coenen in MMA and the first to escape Ronda Rousey’s armbar multiple times. She won the UFC Women’s Bantamweight Championship and earned multiple Performance of the Night awards. Tate’s rivalry with Rousey significantly contributed to the growth of women’s MMA.
Miesha Theresa Tate Career Wins
Throughout her career, Tate has amassed 20 wins out of 30 professional MMA fights. Her victories include 5 by decision, 2 by knockout, and 3 by submission, showcasing her well-rounded skill set across various aspects of MMA competition.
Strikeforce Highlights
Tate won the Strikeforce Women’s Bantamweight Championship by defeating Marloes Coenen via submission. She successfully defended her title before losing it to Ronda Rousey. Her tournament victory in Strikeforce further cemented her status as a top contender in women’s MMA.
Ultimate Fighting Championship Highlights
Tate captured the UFC Women’s Bantamweight Championship by defeating Holly Holm in 2016. She earned multiple Fight of the Night and Performance of the Night bonuses during her UFC tenure. Her comeback victory in 2021 earned her another Performance of the Night award, highlighting her enduring competitiveness.
Miesha Theresa Tate Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Miesha Tate was born to Michelle Tate and Robert Schmidt. There is no public information linking her family to professional sports or racing lineages.
Personal Life
Tate is married to fellow MMA fighter Johnny Nuñez. The couple has two children: daughter Amaia Nevaeh Nuñez, born in 2018, and son Daxton Wylder Nuñez, born in 2020. Tate resides in Las Vegas, Nevada. She is known to be a fan of the Seattle Seahawks and has expressed conservative political views.
2025 Season Performance
In 2025, Miesha Tate continued competing in the UFC women’s bantamweight division. She faced Yana Santos on May 3, 2025, at UFC on ESPN 67, losing by unanimous decision. Tate remains active in the sport, maintaining her ranking and demonstrating resilience in high-level competition. Her ongoing commitment to MMA underscores her status as a veteran athlete in the division.