This past Saturday in the co-main event of UFC Vegas 31, we saw the return of Miesha Tate (19-7). After nearly five years away from the octagon, Tate made her return as she took on top fifteen contender Marion Reneau (9-8-1).
Reneau was making her final UFC appearance while Tate was making her return. Both of these ladies had a lot on the line and both wanted to win more than anything else. For the former UFC and Strikeforce champion Miesha Tate, Saturday was about proving she still belonged.
Tate retired at UFC 205 just one fight removed from losing the bantamweight title. She cited a lack of passion and mental fatigue for her reasoning. Tate walked away at just 29 years old and she started her family.
Now, that competitive fire is back and Tate wants to make another run at UFC gold. Saturday night, Miesha Tate proved that she can still hang in the top fifteen. Tate used her wrestling and her pressure to have a lot of success against Reneau.
Reneau put up a very tough fight, but ultimately, it was the night of Cupcake. Tate used her signature wrestling and in the third round, she secured a takedown along the fence. After securing a dominant position, Tate rained down punches and ultimately got the TKO win at UFC Vegas 31.
What’s next after UFC Vegas 31
UFC Vegas 31 was a big first step for the former champion. It was very important for Tate to get back in the cage and get in the swing of things after so much time off. People are already pondering what will be next for the former bantamweight champion.
I’ve seen some say that the UFC should move her right up to the top to take on the likes of Irene Aldana (13-6) or even a rematch with Holly Holm (14-5). If the promotion moves her up the latter quickly, I think both of those ladies would be great matchups for Tate.
Personally, I would like to see her fight one more mid-tier ranked contender first. I’m looking at the matchup between Ketlen Viera (11-2) and Sara McMann (12-6) that is scheduled for the UFC Fight Night on August 28th.
Whoever wins that matchup would be a great fight for Tate. They’d be ranked around six or so and it would be a nice progression for Tate. If she were to win that fight, then you could put her in a potential title eliminator against the likes of Holm, Aldana, or even a Aspen Ladd.