Miesha Tate defeated Liz Carriero this past Saturday in Shawnee, Oklahoma for Freestyle Cage Fighting’s 135 pound women’s title. Tate (6-1) has won her last five bouts and will ride her winning streak into Fresno, California on May 15th, when Strikeforce and Showtime will debut the new ShoMMA series.
Carriero (3-5) has called FCF home for the majority of her career, fighting in the promotion for seven of her eight career bouts. Despite coming in as the underdog, Carriero faced stiff competition against veteran fighters Katrina Alendal and Alexis Davis prior to facing Tate.
In the first round the two combatants showcased their stand up game, with both fighters scoring big shots. Carriero knocked Tate down towards the end of the first and Tate answered back with a big overhand right to start off the second. However, Tate out worked Carriero on the ground and secured a Phantom choke (aka Von Flue choke) in the third round, earning the tap out and the belt.
“She was a really tough opponent and I had a lot of fun fighting her,” said Tate. “It was a great learning experience and fun to feel out my stand up. I feel totally focused heading into the fifteenth and I will be training like an animal and ready to throw down. I just want to thank Victory Athletics, my teammates, Dennis Hallman, a special thank you to Brian Carraway for being such a great corner. Tussle Fight Wear, Caged Steel, Caged Candy, Hit’em Up and thank you to my family for being so supportive.”
Tate’s opponent for the ShoMMA: Strikeforce Challengers card remains unknown at this time. However, Tate has not diverted from the fact that she has her sights set on one particular opponent; Tara LaRosa. If Tate continues to be victorious in 2009, it will be hard to deny the 22 year old a crack at, arguably, the pound-for-pound best female fighter in the United States.
While it may only be the beginning of April, Tate has already fought three times so far this year. It will be interesting to see if the Victory Athletics product can continue the torrid pace she has set these past few months. However, that question may be answered on May 15th at the Savemart Center in Fresno.
I have to say that chick athletes can drive a man crazy..esp when they are beautiful! Its just sexy and not easy to come by. Damn I want one.
“Chick” athletes, lol…. almost sounds disrespectful. Anyways, female cage fighters are getting better and better. This fighter Miesha looks like she has her stuff together for sure. I will however agree that they do drive us crazy though lol.
yes, Miesha is beautiful to look at but a heck of a fighter too. She is best on the ground (no pun intended) hence the nickname “Take Down” Tate