TATE ‘N SMILE
Miesha is on mission to reach top
MIESHA TATE got the mother of all comebacks off to a winning start at UFC Vegas 31.
Before Sunday’s third-round TKO victory over Marion Reneau, Tate, 34, had last stepped into the octagon in November 2016.
Back then the former bantamweight champion had just lost twice in a row – to Raquel Pennington and Amanda Nunes – and decided to hang up her gloves.
However, ‘Cupcake’ – now supported by fiance and fellow fighter Johnny Nunez and her two young children, Amaia and Daxton – is back and determined to reach the pinnacle again.
Tate, a pioneer of women’s MMA alongside Ronda Rousey, said: “It’s a dream come true.
“When I retired, I really meant it and I didn’t ever think I would be here and feel good about fighting again and that’s why I walked away. I just didn’t feel right anymore, but it felt better than ever (against Reneau).
“I don’t want to be in a rush for anything, but I am a woman on a mission here and so I do want to get to the top.”
Tate, who is still nursing her son who just turned one, looked as good as ever in her dominant victory over Reneau, 44 – who retired herself after losing – and believes family life has given her renewed focus.
She added: “Johnny showed me a picture of our kids right before I took that walk (to the octagon). It just reminded me of my ‘why?’
“My kids were definitely on my mind but at the same time it is just me going in there and I have got a job to do.
“I didn’t feel pressure this time. I just felt grateful to be in the position that I’m in.
“Truthfully, this is why I could not stay retired, because I feel like I have so much more to give and this is truly a better version of myself.
“I didn’t want to leave knowing I had never put my best foot forward.”
Tate’s crowning moment came against Holly Holm in March 2016 when she won the bantamweight title, before losing it in her first defence to current belt holder Nunes. She added: “If it feels right (a title fight), then we will do it, but I am not in a rush.
“I need to continue to climb, but whoever’s name is on that list to get to the top, that is fine by me.
“And I have no doubt that before I retire me and Holly will fight again.”
WHILE nothing has been confirmed, the UFC’S rumoured card for September 4 in London is shaping up to be a cracker.
Liverpool’s Darren Till is pencilled in to face Derek Brunson while Scot Paul Craig takes on a returning Alexander Gustafsson. We could even see the debut of rising Irish star Ian Garry, the Cage Warriors welterweight champion having now been officially signed.