Former bantamweight world champion Miesha Tate returned to the Octagon on Saturday night at UFC Austin.
Determined to get her career back on track after suffering back-to-back bouts against Ketlen Vieira and Lauren Murhpy, ‘Cupcake’ will be tasked with taking out division standout Julia Avila. The ‘Raging Panda’ has gone 3-1 under the UFC banner and has won five of her last six contests dating back to 2018.
Round 1
Miesha Tate comes out immediately aggressive, throwing lunges punches, and pushing Avila to the cage. Tate changes levels and scores a takedown early. She moves into side control as Avila attempts to use the fence to get back up while clinging onto Tate’s head. Avila attempts to push off the fence to improve her position, but Tate maintains side control. Avila gives up her back in an attempt to get up.
Digging for an RNC, Tate briefly works a neck crank before Avila fights it off. Tate maintains a dominant position and finds herself in full mount. Avila turns and Tate takes her back and begins delivering some stiff hammer fists and elbows while clinging onto Avila’s back. Avila scrambles once again, but Tate stays on top and peppers her opponent with strikes until the first round comes to a close.
Round 2
Tate once again comes out aggressive, but each some shots from Avila as she works her way inside. That doesn’t stop Tate from her pursuit and manages to slam Avila down to the ground and right back into side control. Avila works Tate back into her guard as Tate approaches six minutes of control time in the bout. Tate moves back inside half-guard and reigns down a series of strikes as Avila has no answer for the onslaught.
Avila scrambles, giving up her back in the process. Take maintains control of Avila’s back and continues to deliver potshots until the second round ends.
Round 3
Miesha Tate sticks to the game plan, going forward, pressing Avila against the fence and securing a takedown mere seconds into the round. Avila manages to work her way back up, but Tate gets her back down with ease and immediately takes top mount. Avila turns to her back, allowing Tate to sink in another neck crank, but this time, Avila has had enough and immediately taps out in the early going of the final round.
Official Result: Miesha Tate def. Julia Avila via submission (neck crank) at 1:15 of Round 3.
Check Out Highlights From Miesha Tate vs. Julia Avila at UFC Austin Below:
Pure dominance by Miesha Tate 😤 #UFCAustin pic.twitter.com/MvU51tpdQN
— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) December 2, 2023
🚨Miesha Tate dominates & then gets the submission victory in Round 3🚨 #UFCAustin pic.twitter.com/nWllLx0TUO
— NoSmokeSport (@NoSmokeSport) December 2, 2023
