Miesha Tate is gearing up to step back into the octagon for a bantamweight showdown against Yana Santos on May 3. Tate spilled the beans about this matchup on her Instagram, and Yana Santos soon confirmed it. Although the UFC hasn’t released an official announcement yet, the event is anticipated to take place in Des Moines, Iowa.
“Still got what it takes, and if you have any doubts, just wait and see. Mark your calendars,” Tate encouraged her fans.
Once reigning over the bantamweight division in both Strikeforce and the UFC, Tate last saw action when she submitted the now-retired Julia Avila in the third round at UFC on ESPN 52 back in December 2023. Known as “Cupcake,” Tate first hung up her gloves after a loss to Raquel Pennington at UFC 205 in November 2016. However, she made a comeback in 2021, though her appearances since have been sporadic, resulting in an even 2-2 record with the Las Vegas-based promotion.
On the flip side, Yana Santos ended a three-fight losing streak with her victory over Chelsea Chandler at UFC on ESPN 61 this past August. As an alumna and former champion of Invicta FC, Santos has a mixed record of 5-5 while competing in the UFC.
“What a dream matchup!” Santos expressed on Instagram. “Thanks to the UFC for consistently providing opportunities. Miesha Tate has been my favorite fighter for years. It’s a dream to face her in the Octagon. I’ll make sure to bring the best version of myself.”
