Miesha Tate looks to exploit Cat Zingano’s inexperience at the TUF Finale
Former Strikeforce Women’s Bantamweight Champion Miesha Tate is no stranger to being in the limelight. Last year, it was for all the wrong reasons, as gruesome videos of her nearly having her arm torn off by Ronda Rousey were replayed at an alarming rate. After that bout, she lost a bit of her love for MMA, and it showed in her near loss to Julie Kedzie.
However, she persevered to win with an armbar, ironically. Tate caught up with Bloody Elbow to discuss her newfound motivation and huge upcoming bout with Cat Zingano:
I felt like I had the most pressure probably when I fought Ronda, because I put so much pressure on myself. I was really emotional for that fight. I kind of re-analyzed that, saw where my mistakes were and really tried to better myself as a fighter.
I took some time off after the Julie Kedzie fight to reinvent myself, and rediscover my fire and my passion for MMA, but really, what it comes down to is that I’m used to it all.
So Miesha Tate is ready for the pressure and media exposure that goes along with participating the second ever UFC Women’s bout. IT’s well known that a spot opposite titleholder Rousey on TUF 18 will up the stakes, and Tate will be facing off against an undefeated challenger in Zingano. Still, this doesn’t have Tate too worried, as she will look to use her experience to win:
“I’ve noticed from watching tape on her, that her tendencies aren’t the best ones. I feel that I’m more seasoned. I have a lot more fights than she does, and I’ve already fought on the big stage.”
“I plan on being the more experienced, smarter fighter. I plan on fighting a smart fight by letting her strength work against her and her weaknesses work for me.”
Tate does no doubt have the higher-level experience when compared to Zingano. She is most likely the second-most popular female fighter in the UFC right now, and is ready to shoulder the load of helping bring WMMA to the masses:
“I’ve been doing this for six and a half years, going on seven years, and I feel like I represent the sport well. I’m passionate about it. I’m obviously very happy about being somewhat of a pioneer and a role model. I welcome that because it makes me feel good about what I’m doing both inside and outside the cage. I think I’m ready for it.”
Miesha Tate will have a great chance to make waves in her sport April 13th as she attempts to climb back into a rematch with Ronda Rousey. There may be no better competition for ‘Rowdy’ out there right now than Tate, who appears re-motivated and confident heading into the Zingano bout. What are your thoughts on the direction of the UFC Women’s division?
