After losing the UFC women’s bantamweight title, Miesha Tate was hoping to return to prominence in the opening matchup of the UFC 205 main card. Instead, it turns out to be her final fight.
Raquel Pennington (9-5), who was coached by Tate on season 18 of The Ultimate Fighter, defeated her former mentor in a unanimous decision.
The 30-year-old Tate (18-7) announced her retirement after the bout.
“I’m announcing her retirement tonight, it’s my time,” Tate said. “It’s not my time, I had a lot more to give but I had to pull it out of myself. I love this sport, thank you but this is it for me.”
Wait WHAT?!
Thank you, @MieshaTate #UFC205 #UFCNYC https://t.co/oVmfbU8G8L
— UFC (@ufc) November 13, 2016
The former UFC and Strikeforce champion said that it wasn’t “her time” anymore.
The two-time world champion walked out of the octagon for the last time.
Ex-women's bantamweight champ Miesha Tate makes final walk from Octagon following retirement at #UFC205 pic.twitter.com/uDgi6s7i2v
— Irish Sun Sport (@IrishSunSport) November 13, 2016
Fight fans, fellow fighters, and the sports world was shocked by Tate’s sudden retirement.
Much respect to @MieshaTate keep ur head up and ur heart strong! Thanks for the fight and the words we shared in this moment. #sportsmanship pic.twitter.com/60sXkE0bN7
— Raquel Pennington (@RockyPMMA) November 13, 2016
Congrats on a great career @mieshatate you helped open many doors for #WMMA its women like us who created this platform
— CrisCyborg.Com (@criscyborg) November 13, 2016
.@MieshaTate! Respect. Thank you. #ufc205
— player/coach (@CMPunk) November 13, 2016
I heart @MieshaTate
— Chris Wade (@CWadeMMA) November 13, 2016
Respect @MieshaTate – thank you for your fights. #UFC205
— Dan Hardy (@danhardymma) November 13, 2016
Sorry to hear of @MieshaTate retiring after #UFC205. Love her look & athleticism.
She'd be intriguing in @WWE vs @MsCharlotteWWE #WM33
— Jim Ross (@JRsBBQ) November 13, 2016
Hats off to @MieshaTate 👏🏽 also announcing her retirement tonight! 🤧
— KailinCurranAsing (@KailinCurran) November 13, 2016
@MieshaTate congrats on a great career. Bummed to see you retire but I hope you do what makes you happy next #ufc205
— Chris Camozzi (@ChrisCamozzi) November 13, 2016
https://twitter.com/Cody_Nolove/status/797646202577616896
Retirement!!!???? 😳 If this is true thanks you for everything that you have done for the sport and influence in women's MMA 🙏🏼🙏🏼
— Brian Ortega (@BrianTcity) November 13, 2016
Great career @MieshaTate! ✌️️#UFC205
— Larry Fitzgerald (@LarryFitzgerald) November 13, 2016
[CBS]