Miesha Tate Retires From MMA Following A Heartbreaking Loss At ‘UFC 205’

Say it ain’t so, Miesha Tate! The former UFC Women’s Bantamweight Champion and arch-rival to Ronda Rousey retired following a devastating loss at ‘UFC 205.’ With her head held high, Miesha announced to the world that her time in the octagon was over!

“I’m announcing my retirement, you guys,” Miesha, 30, said following her loss via unanimous decision to Raquel Pennington, 28, during UFC’s New York City debut, according to Fox Sports. “I love y’all so much. I’ve been doing this for over a decade. Thank you so much for being here. I love this sport forever. But it’s not my time anymore. It’s the future’s time.”

Ronda Rousey — PICS

Miesha managed to survive the bout without getting KO’ed or being forced to submit. Yet, when handed a loss by the fight’s judges, she knew it was time to hang up her gloves.  “It’s because of the result. I had a lot more to give but I couldn’t pull it out of myself,” she said. “It’s been a long time, taken a lot of punishment. I still love this sport. I love you guys so much, thank you, but this is it for me.”

What a heartbreaking way to kick off the main event of what may be the biggest event in UFC history. Miesha and Raquel’s match opened up the main card. It seemed to start off in Miesha’s favor, as she held off the early volley of blows.

It all went south when Miesha attempted to get her opponent to the ground. Pennington latched on a standing guillotine choke hold. Instead of tapping out, her never-say-die attitude caused her to pull a Spider-Man as she climbed up the cage! Yet, it wasn’t enough. Raquel had out-fought Miesha and the match was awarded to her.

Tate leaves behind an 18-7 record and she’s one of two women to hold titles in both UFC and Strikeforce. The other one? Her nemesis, Ronda Rousey, 29. The rivalry between these two made the UFC Women’s division, though Miesha was never able to score a win against her bitter enemy. Miesha did spoil Ronda’s plans for revenge, defeating Holly Holm – the woman who ended Ronda’s undefeated streak – for the Women’s Bantamweight Championship.

Sadly, Miesha didn’t enjoy being a champion for long, as she would lose the title to Amanda Nunes in her first defense of the belt. Still, no one will remember Miesha for the fights that she lost. UFC fans will know her as a fierce competitor with the heart of a lion. Thank you, Miesha!

HollywoodLifers, were you shocked when Miesha announced her retirement? Do you think she’ll be back in UFC after some time away?