BOB, GROZ AND TOM

Miesha Tate previews UFC 205 match, explains her willingness to take a punch on Fight! podcast

Nov 10, 2016, 4:08 PM | Updated: 4:08 pm

One of Meisha Tate’s biggest strengths in the octagon is her ability to absorb punishment. But considering how she lost the UFC Women’s Bantamweight Championship in July to Amanda Nunes in a knock-down, drag-out battle, her willingness to go punch for punch with her opponents just might be turning into her Achilles heel.

Tate is set for another big fight on Saturday in UFC 205 at Madison Square Garden, the promotion’s first-ever event from New York City, and in an interview with Bob Stelton on Fight!, she said she’s still going to rely on that toughness when she goes up against Raquel Pennington.

“It’s never the game plan for that to happen,” Tate said of taking punishment in a fight, “but I’m glad that I have that resiliency and I’m glad that I can trust in myself that my fallback is that I fight. You know, there’s the good old saying, ‘fight or flight.’ I don’t have the wanting to get out of the fight. I stay in it at all costs – like even when I’m not completely aware what’s going on, I still fight. My body reacts that way. I’m glad that I have that, but obviously if I can get through a fight unscathed that’s always the game plan, but when you get in there and leather starts flying, it doesn’t always work out that way.”

Point being, the 30-year-old Tacoma native is going with what brought her to the dance.

“It actually gives me a lot of confidence to know that I can rely on myself, that I have that tenacity to keep going no matter what,” she said.

You can hear the full Fight! podcast at this link, on the 710 app or on iTunes to hear the interview with Tate, including why she didn’t wait long after losing the UFC title to get back in the octagon unlike rival Ronda Rousey. Stelton and co-host Danny O’Neil also break down the entire UFC 205 card with ESPN MMA writer Brett Okamoto and react to Tate’s statements about her strategy against Pennington.

Wyman & Bob

Bob, Groz and Tom

Seahawks RB Chris Carson...

Brent Stecker

Heaps: Bench Chris Carson? Seahawks need him running to make playoffs

Seahawks running back Chris Carson is struggling with fumbles, and it's imperative he corrects the issue, says Jake Heaps. "If this team is going to go to the playoffs, they have to have Chris Carson running the football."

5 years ago

The Groz at T-Mobile Park...

Brent Stecker

Watch: The Groz throws out the 1st pitch before Mariners-Astros game

Dave "The Groz" Grosby was honored by the Mariners on Tuesday night by throwing out the ceremonial first pitch. Check out video, photos and more from his big night here.

5 years ago

Bob, Groz and Tom...

SeattleSports.com Staff

Highlights from The Groz’s last show on Bob, Groz and Tom

Dave "The Groz" Grosby signed off as a full-time Seattle sports radio host Friday on Bob, Groz and Tom with visits from several notable names from his career.

5 years ago

The Groz...

SeattleSports.com Staff

Watch: Members of the Seattle sports media pay tribute to The Groz

Watch a special tribute to 710 ESPN Seattle's The Groz featuring messages from members of the Seattle sports media to commemorate his 29 years as a daily host in the market.

5 years ago

The Groz...

Brent Stecker

The Groz’s final show on Bob, Groz and Tom airs Friday at noon

Dave "The Groz" Grosby will finish up his 29-year career as a daily Seattle sports radio host on Friday from noon to 3 p.m. on 710 ESPN Seattle's Bob, Groz and Tom.

5 years ago

Mariners OF Kyle Lewis...

Brent Stecker

What sets Mariners OF Kyle Lewis apart from other prospects?

Mariners outfielder Kyle Lewis hit his fifth home run in eight games in the big leagues on Wednesday. ROOT Sports analyst Mike Blowers talked to Bob, Groz and Tom about Lewis and what makes him stand out.

5 years ago

Miesha Tate previews UFC 205 match, explains her willingness to take a punch on Fight! podcast