Yana Santos decisions Miesha Tate at UFC Des Moines

Heading into Saturday's UFC Des Moines feature preliminary fight against No. 10 ranked Yana Santos, former women's bantamweight champion Miesha Tate hadn't fought in 17 months. 

Returning to the bantamweight division in her last fight after a one-fight stint as a flyweight, Tate defeated Julia Avila via submission in December 2023. Ranked No. 12, a win over Santos would put Tate back in the Top 10. 

Santos snapped a three-fight losing skid in her last fight, defeating Chelsea Chandler via unanimous decision last August. She looked to expand on the win and pick up a victory over a former titleholder. 

Tate came out aggressive, pressing forward with punches. She connected with right hands before the two clinched. They quickly separated and clinched again. They exchange knees to the body and separated. The two exchanged and Tate tied Santos up. Tate delivered punches to the body but Santos connected with a knee. Take continued to pressure Santos and look for takedowns. Santos defended each attempt. She landed a hard leg kick that clearly hurt Tate. The round ended in the clinch with both fighters landing. MMAWeekly scored the round 10-9 for Santos. 

Tate pressured Santos to start the second frame. Santos delivered a leg kick that briefly knocked Tate off balance. Tate continued to move forward but Santos landed while circling on the outside. Tate closed the distance but could not get Santos to the canvas. Santos circled free. Santos stepped in the pocket with a stiff right hand. Tate clinched and they worked for position along the cage. Tate continued to pressure Santos but it was Santos landing more. MMAWeekly scored the round 10-9 for Santos. 

Santos landed a jab to start the third. Tate pressed forward but came up short with a combination. Tate connected with a clean right hand. Tate secure her first takedown of the fight with well over three minutes remaining. She delivered short punches while Santos hung on from the bottom. Take began delivering punches to the body. She mounted Santos. Santos rolled and Tate took her back. Tate looked to lock on a choke but first delivered short right hands. Santos defended. Tate went back to landing punches but couldn't generate enough power to do damage. MMAWeekly scored the round 10-9 for Tate.

The judges scored the fight for Santos by unanimous decision The scorecards read 29-28, 29-28, and 29-28.