Miesha Tate took some time out of her MMA fighting career to try her hand at a submission-only grappling tournament, unfortunately, she lost.
The UFC has become the leading promotion for MMA over the last twenty or more years. Now the organization seems to be focused on other combat sports avenues. First Dana White was looking to get into boxing, but that never really panned out. Now he is opening a slap-fighting league which fans seem to be excited about. But one of the oldest forms of martial arts, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) might be gaining some popularity under the UFC banner.
BJJ is a very important part of an MMA fighter’s skillset these days and grappling tournaments are beginning to grow in popularity as well. UFC Fight Pass held a big tournament on Thursday night with some of the biggest names in the sports of BJJ and MMA. Included were former UFC champion Miesha Tate and BJJ superstar Gordon Ryan.
Bia Mesquita defeated Miesha Tate by submission in overtime
This UFC Fight Pass tournament was a submission-only BJJ event. Tate has proven that her submission game is among the top in the UFC, but her opponent for this event, Bia Mesquita was better on the night. She was able to submit Tate in overtime in one of the most anticipated matches in the tournament. Mesquita scored the armbar on Tate and was able to get the win.
What a match! Bia gets it done!
Incredible effort from @MieshaTate! #FPI3 pic.twitter.com/K5naz4qAbS
— UFC FIGHT PASS (@UFCFightPass) December 16, 2022
Mesquita is known in BJJ circles as one best female at the black belt level. She is a multi-time world champion and has won at some of the biggest and most prestigious tournaments in the world including ADCC and IBJJF.
With the submission win, Mesquita took home the $25,000 prize.
Tate has lost her two last bouts inside the UFC by unanimous decision. She tried making a move to flyweight in her last fight but could be making a jump back up in weight next time out. She does not currently have a UFC fight on the schedule.
