Miesha Tate (photo via UFC)

By FCF Staff

Miesha Tate likely shocked many throughout the MMA world by announcing her retirement on Saturday night, and the woman who defeated her, doesn’t seem to agree with her decision.

Tate took on Raquel Pennington at UFC 205, and lost the bout via unanimous decision. Tate was coming off a first round, submission loss to Amanda Nunes in July, when she lost the 135 title.

While speaking to the media after their bout, Pennington had this to say about Tate’s decision to retire (quote via Bloody Elbow):

“If she’s going to go out with retirement, I wouldn’t necessarily agree with the fact of going out with a loss,” Pennington said. “But Miesha has nothing to keep her head down about. She has every reason to keep her head high. Everyone says how Ronda (Rousey) is the face of women’s MMA, but I believe that Miesha belongs up there, too. She’s done some wonderful things, she’s put on some phenomenal performances. This card, it’s a huge opportunity, making history. If this is the card that she wanted to finish on, then all my respect.”

Pennington also noted that fighters are often emotional after defeats, and said she believes Tate could change her mind. When the latter announced her retirement, immediately following the defeat, the 30 year-old Tate said it wasn’t her “time anymore”.