The irony and impact behind Miesha Tate’s famous nickname.
Miesha Tate is a former UFC Bantamweight Champion and is currently ranked No. 12 in the UFC bantamweight rankings. Known for her grappling skills and her wrestling background, Tate began her professional career in 2007 with a decision win over Jan Finney. In her last fight, she submitted Julia Avila at UFC on ESPN 52 in December 2023, locking in a face crank early in the third round to hand Avila the first submission loss of her career. Now the Tate returns to the octagon on May 3, 2025, to face 10th-ranked Yana Santos at UFC Des Moines.
The “Cupcake” Tate captured her first major title in April 2009, the FCF Women’s Bantamweight Championship, and then went on to win the Strikeforce Bantamweight title in 2011. Two years later, she made her UFC debut and in March 2016, she submitted Holly Holm via rear-naked choke to claim the UFC Bantamweight title. Tate, however, stepped away from the sport later that year, citing mental health issues. In 2018, she took on an executive role with ONE Championship as vice president, though she resigned in 2021 to return to the UFC.
Generally seen as cute, small, and sweet, cupcakes are often associated with softness and traditional femininity. But Miesha Tate turned that perception on its head. Her adopted nickname, “Cupcake,” is a deliberate irony, designed to challenge stereotypes that she’s all looks and no fight. With a professional record of 20 wins and 9 losses, Tate has shown that this cupcake packs a punch.
In a 2015 UFC interview with Thomas Gerbasi, Tate explained that early in her career, opponents and audiences often underestimated her based solely on her appearance. Tate stated, “And then I would go out there and win. You can’t judge a book by its cover, and that’s where the nickname ‘Cupcake’ came into play. I might look soft or feminine on the outside, but that has nothing to do with what I’m made up with on the inside.”
Also Read: Meisha Tate vs. Yana Santos Head to Head Record and Tale of the Tape for UFC Fight Night
| 29 Matches | Wins | Losses |
| By Knockout | 4 | 2 |
| By Submission | 8 | 3 |
| By Decision | 8 | 4 |
