Miesha Tate ends retirement, fights Marion Reneau on July 17

The UFC women’s bantamweight division is about to get more star power, with women’s MMA Pioneer Miesha Tate announcing the end of her retirement.

The former UFC and Strikeforce bantamweight champ is making a return to fighting after four years away from the cage.  Tate (18-7) will face veteran bantamweight Marion Reneau (9-7-1) at a UFC event scheduled for July 17. Although the event or location is yet to be announced, the unnamed event is expected to take place on a UFC Fight Night card.

“My heart is full of passion, the fire has been lit!” Tate told ESPN’s Brett Okamoto on Wednesday. “The sport has been calling for me, it’s time I answer.”

The 34-year-old hasn’t won since her impressive comeback performance Holly Holm at UFC 196, landing her the UFC’s 135-pound title. Just four months later, Tate lost the title to Amanda Nunes at UFC 200. A loss to Raquel Pennington in her very next fight at the UFC 205 prompted Tate’s retirement from the game.

Since retiring, Tate’s had two children and served as ambassador and executive for the Singapore-based ONE Championship.

Interestingly, while Tate resumes her fighting career on July 17, the event will be the final fight of Reneau’s UFC contract. The 43-year-old Reneau is currently the oldest active fighter on the UFC roster. She is coming off four consecutive losses, with her last UFC win coming up against Sara McMann in 2018.