Miesha Tate surrenders to Ronda Rousey: 'I'm inspired and I want to get to that level'

Miesha (right) and Ronda (left) exchanged many barbs before facing each other in 2013. Photo: Josh Hedges/UFC

For some years, Ronda Rousey e Miesha Tate starred in one of the hottest rivalries in women's MMA, which included a fight in Strikeforce, another in the UFC and one of the most controversial editions of the reality show The Ultimate Fighter. Despite the history, however, the hostile atmosphere between the two beauties seems to be in the past. The person who hinted was Tate herself, who, in an interview, praised Ronda and said she was inspired by her former rival to reach her level of excellence.

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“I'm not impressed, I'm inspired. Every time I see her fights, I realize that she is at a different level, and I want to stay at that level. That's what I want. I want to figure out how to reach her. She is a phenomenal athlete, a phenomenal fighter and I want to reach that level”, said the brunette, in an interview with the North American channel “FOX Sports”.

Then, even if discreetly, Miesha didn't miss the chance to try to create a trilogy against the champion. “I love fighting with Ronda Rousey, because I think she brings out the best in me as a fighter. For me, I want to be the best fighter I can be and the best person as well. She motivates me to do both, and I love it. I love the challenge, I love everything she was able to do for the sport, and I love being part of it,” she assured her.

At 28, Miesha Tate has a professional record of 16 wins and five losses. “Cupcake”, as she is known, comes from three consecutive victories, over Liz Carmouche, Rin Nakai and Sara McMann. In the two fights against Ronda, Miesha spent more time inside the cage against her rival than all of the champion's other nine opponents combined.

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