It could be the end of the road for an ex-PFC title holder who fought against a hidden horrible injury.
The mixed martial arts game is full of physical adversity and challenges. It is often unveiled by hunters in the aftermath of attacks in the UFC industry corner that they fought.
From training to weight movement-as is apparent from the withdrawal of Arman Tsarukyan from UFC 311 in January-MMA athletes always run the risk of injury or illness that derailed their plans.
Fighters often suffer in silence and only reveal their struggles after recovering. That was the case for a former champion, who admits that she might have entered the cage for the last time after she had overcome a serious health problem.
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Former UFC champion Miesha Tate Kon retired
Before they took the walk in UFC des Moines at the beginning of May, the former UFC ladies bantam weight champion Miesha Tate had not participated anymore since December 2023.
At the time, 'Cupcake' got better from Julia Avila to maintain her ranking and talk about a potential opportunity to regain the UFC gold on 135 pounds.
But a long stint on the sidelines followed, and although it used to be inexplicable, Tate recently went to Instagram to reveal the battle she has endured after a freak injury in her decision victory over Avila.
“I had my hooks on her back, one of which was a bit superficial, and I was really going to be very aggressive to force her from back to belly, belly down, and I tore two of my ligaments and I had to undergo a reconstructive operation.
“It was by far the hardest thing I've ever had to do. It was harder than coming back after having my two children,” Tate said. “On several points, [I] Shouted my eyes and thought I could never fight again.
“After a discharge of 18 months, the biggest injury of my career, I can honestly say that I am happy with this performance [at UFC Des Moines]… even in a loss. “
After he had overcome a considerable obstacle to string the gloves again, Tate admitted that the defeat against Santos at UFC des Moines could close the curtain on her career as an active hunter.
“I don't make definitive decisions,” Tate said. '[It] It is still to be seen whether I will fight again or not. I will not clarify either because I think there is no right or wrong answer. “
Miesha Tate has already retired in announcement Dana White saw 'Don Don't Seed Coming'
If the former champion decides to retire, it would not be the first time she hung up the gloves.
Tate announced a shock MMA pension in 2016 after a defeat against the then future Bantamweight Queen Raquel Pennington for women on UFC 205.
The competition only came four months after 'Cupcake' had ended its title rule by Amanda Nunes.
UFC CEO Dana White was one of those who were shocked by the decision and admitted that he “did not see the Miesha Tate coming” in the aftermath of the loss.
Tate would stay retired until five years later made a comeback.
Although a return victory over Marion Reneau immediately brought the American back to the title mix to 135 pounds, she has struggled since then and lost three of her last four fights.