Miesha Tate understands she will never have the chance to avenge her previous defeats against Ronda Rousey. Therefore, eventually pursuing a fight with Kayla Harrison might be the closest alternative.
In one of the sport`s most intense rivalries, Tate fought Rousey twice, losing on both occasions, with their final meeting occurring in 2013. Tate went on to defeat Holly Holm – the fighter who famously knocked out Rousey to claim the UFC title – but she never secured a rematch with Rousey, who has since retired and has stated no intentions of competing again.
This situation undoubtedly left Tate with unresolved feelings. However, she might get the opportunity to face a different opponent with a comparable skill set now that two-time Olympic judo gold medalist Kayla Harrison is part of the UFC roster.
“I have intensely wanted to demonstrate how much better I can perform now against a judoka compared to before,” Tate explained, reflecting on her bouts with Rousey, an Olympic bronze medalist in judo. “Because I lost those first two matches to Ronda and I just didn`t comprehend it at the time. I have an entirely different coaching staff now. I have people who can genuinely simulate someone with a judo background, whereas back when I was preparing for Ronda, it was impossible to find high-level women judokas who were also willing to let me punch them in the face while I was trying to prevent being thrown. I couldn`t find anyone like that. I did train with some men, but the men weren`t as technically slick as Ronda. They relied much more on brute strength.”
Tate continued, “Since that specific moment in time, I`ve been focused on significantly improving my judo defense and offense. I feel like I finally possess the necessary tools. So, at any point, even if it`s not for a championship fight, I truly believe facing Kayla Harrison would be a significant opportunity.”
Tate, who is scheduled to return to action against Yana Santos at the upcoming UFC Des Moines card in May, clarified that unlike her heated history with Rousey, there is nothing personal involved in her desire to fight Harrison.
Naturally, she recognizes that Harrison is not an exact copy of Rousey. However, their shared foundation in judo and their tendency to control opponents on the ground make them somewhat similar in approach.
This is precisely why Tate is eager for the chance to test herself against Harrison, potentially allowing her to put some of those lingering Rousey frustrations to rest in the process.
“Kayla is a highly regarded judoka,” Tate stated. “She possesses credentials similar to Ronda`s. She is her own fighter, her own distinct person. It wouldn`t bring the same level of satisfaction as avenging those two losses to Ronda; however, it would be a fantastic second option, and I would absolutely welcome that.”
“I would take pride in people saying, `You know what, I think Miesha was right. She was able to prove her point and back up what she claimed, she genuinely learned a great deal about judo, and she managed to defeat Kayla Harrison, and most likely, if they had ever had that third fight, she would have beaten Ronda as well.`”
While Tate`s next fight is in May, Harrison will get her initial opportunity to become a UFC champion when she faces Julianna Pena in the co-main event at UFC 316 in June. Tate will clearly be watching that matchup closely, not only because she has been friends with Pena for many years but also due to her own ambition to return to the title race sooner rather than later.
“I`m excited to see what happens between those two, and I just might issue a challenge for the winner,” Tate remarked regarding the possibility of vying for the next title shot. “I think it`s fair. I believe I`ve earned that opportunity.”
