Miesha Tate has signed a multi-fight contract with the UFC, manager Malki Kawa announced today. Tate will compete in the UFC’s newly-formed Women’s Bantamweight division. Her first opponent is expected to be announced soon.
“It is every mixed martial artist’s dream to compete in the UFC. It’s exciting knowing that the deal is officially in place, and I can begin working to book my first UFC opponent. I want to thank the UFC and Malki Kawa for helping to make this dream a reality,” Tate said.
“The ultimate goal for me is to win the UFC Women’s Bantamweight title. My training has never been stronger, and I feel I am putting myself in a position to become the best in the world. This contract only serves as validation that my hard work is paying off, but also as motivation to continue to push myself to new levels,” she added.
“This is a big stepping stone for Miesha in her career,” Kawa stated. “She has proven herself to be one of the best fighters in the world, and I am excited that she will now be showcasing her ability in the UFC.”
Tate most recently competed in Strikeforce, where she compiled a 5-1 record, three of which were by submission. Her last bout was a victory over Julie Kedzie by submission on August 18.
As a professional mixed martial artist, Tate has racked up a 13-3 record, winning six fights by submission and three by TKO/KO. She has won seven of her last eight fights and was named the 2011 Female Fighter of the Year at the World MMA Awards.
Tate’s accomplished wrestling and grappling career began at a young age. She won the 2005 high school state women’s wrestling championship in Washington. She then went on to represent the U.S. at the FILA Grappling World Championships in 2008 and 2009, winning a silver medal in No-Gi in 2008, and placing fourth in No-Gi 2009.
Tate currently trains in Yakima, Wash. at Yakima MMA. Fans can follow her on her official web site, CupcakeTate.com, and on her Twitter handle @MieshaTate.
