UFC Pioneer Open to Trilogy Fight Against Ronda Rousey 'She Should Go Through Me First'

In an interview with Aaron Bronsteter for Sportsnet, Tate revealed that while she is certainly focusing on the task at hand by preparing for Santos, she would especially relish an opportunity to face Kayla Harrison and is not opposed to a potential trilogy fight with Ronda Rousey.

Bronsteter asked Tate if Harrison’s judo background reminds her of Rousey and if that is why the potential matchup entices her.

Tate affirmed her interest and said, “I just have way more skills now than I ever had before. I understand the game a lot better. I didn’t know how to beat a judoka back then. I really didn’t.”

Despite the fact that Ronda has recently posted training footage, thereby teasing a possible return to MMA, Tate does not think Rousey will realistically return. If she does, however, Tate would be more than willing to welcome her back to the Octagon.

“The only way I think Ronda comes back is if she really wants to,” Tate told Bronsteter. “I think she should have to go through me first if she does decide to come back.”

While a bantamweight title shot is still within reach, the former UFC and Strikeforce champion believes the wins and losses are not what define success at this late stage in her career.

“I know there were many times in my career that I’ve won, but I was far from being my best,” Tate said. “I don’t care if I go out on my shield. I just want to know how great I can be, and there is only one way to answer that question... It’s to glove up and have a game opponent and really test myself in front of the world.”