THE CLINCH REPORT

Interviewed by: Jonathan M. King

When you are on top, everyone tries to knock you down. The strap around your waist carries with it a target on your back. Trash talking, and subtle verbal jabs are ways for some fighters to get recognition. Miesha “Take-Down” Tate would rather just keep winning.  Recently Tate discussed her MMA career path, and future in this sport with The Clinch Report.

Originally from Tacoma Washinton, Tate began her path to MMA as a wrestler! Soon after winning national trials for submission wrestling,, Tate joined an MMA club run by fellow fighter star Bryan Caraway. Not only is Caraway Tate’s trainer, and inpiration, he is also her boyfriend.  Tate is quick to make sure Caraway gets the credit for her fighting pedigree. “Bryan Caraway has literally coached me to my world title, he’s my rock! ” Tate said.  “I see myself as a  female version of him(Caraway)” Tate said. “He’s very talented so I say it with pride!”

Currently the holder of the Strikeforce’s Bantamweight Title, Tate is also considered the #2 pound-for-pound Female fighter in the world. With her rise through the ranks, the competition has been getting tougher. Recently Tate signed to defend her belt against Ronda Rousey, who has also climbed the ranks very quickly. Once this fight was signed, the hype machine began. Twitter wars ensued, debating superficial topics that had little or nothing to do with fighting. As far as Tate is concerned, the fight is all that matters, and it is not a joking matter.. “Well for her it might be all fun and games but for me I take this sport a little more seriously!” Tate said. ” I think she will too after she’s done eating my homemade elbow macaroni!”

In the past, the wrestling based Tate “usually only used (striking) to set up a takedown, not necessarily to knock someone out.” This fight could be different though, as Tate reflects, “but that may change this fight!” Working with Team Yakima MMA primarily, Tate has impressed her handlers with her improved striking ability. With each fight her skills improve, and Tate is the type of fighter who likes to stay busy. Once she defeats Rousey and defends her belt, Tate would like to avenge her loss to Sarah Kaufman (who some feel deserved the shot at Tate more than Rousey did!). “Sarah Kaufman is next on my radar! I lost a close fight to her a few years back and now I have the belt that she once had, my goal is to avenge my loss to her!” Tate said. However, Tate realizes she has work to do first. “First things first I have to defend my belt against Ronda Rousey March 3rd!”

Miesha Tate’s rise to the Championship is not a surprise. The way Tate approcahes her training is similar to those of her role models.  Besides her training Guru  Caraway Tate also looks up to other fighters as well.  “Georges St. Pierre stays calm and respectful I admire that. I also like Jake Ellenburger stylistically and as a person too!” Tate said. Although she looks up to sevral fighters, Tate would “love the opportunity to train w GSP because I look up to him especially, he follows his gameplans to a T.”