IN the increasingly competitive world of mixed martial arts (MMA), there are only a handful of female fighters - past or present - that have dominated the sport and gone on to become world champions.

Miesha Tate can proudly count herself on that exclusive list. The 32-year-old American's Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) match with Ronda Rousey in March 2012 was widely regarded as the bout that elevated the women's division to the fore. Although Tate eventually lost that contest, she made headlines for being the first opponent to ever reach the second and third rounds of a match against Rousey.

Tate went on to become a main event star at UFC, eventually winning the Bantamweight championship from Holly Holm in March 2016. Tate retired from active competition eight months later, bringing an end to a nine-year career inside the cage.