Miesha Tate: "I’m Not Making the Rookie Mistake"

Four fights, four armbars and four victories.That’s exactly what Strikeforce No. 1 contender Ronda Rousey (4-0) has done since joining the sport just under a year ago.However, don’t expect Strikeforce’s women’s bantamweight champion Miesha Tate (12-2) …

Four fights, four armbars and four victories.

That’s exactly what Strikeforce No. 1 contender Ronda Rousey (4-0) has done since joining the sport just under a year ago.

However, don’t expect Strikeforce’s women’s bantamweight champion Miesha Tate (12-2) to be the slightest bit concerned about the armbar.

“I’m not really that worried about the arm-bar,” Tate told Bleacher Report. “I think the biggest mistake I could make is focusing on what Ronda is going to do or what she can do versus what I’m going to do and what I can do.”

“I think it would be a big rookie mistake on my part to be training only arm-bar defense every single day. I’m not training to be in that position,” said Tate. “I’m training to impose my will and my game plan which absolutely never involves being in an arm-bar.”

Tate, who’s won five straight fights will look to push the pace as she’s done in the majority of her bouts since making her third return to Strikeforce.

With that in mind, Tate plans to be well-prepared for anything that Rousey may have up her sleeve.

Even if that means something other than the arm-bar.

“I’ve been really focused on implementing what I’m going to do and not too worried about what she’s going to do. I want to be proactive instead of reactive,” stated Tate.

“I haven’t seen much more than what we’ve seen inside a minute. I’m sure Ronda has more than just an arm-bar. I’ve never been a believer that she’s only a one trick pony. You have to expect the unexpected. As the champion you have to be ready for absolutely everything,” said Tate. “I’m going into this fight being prepared for everything and anything.”

Regardless of what Rousey brings to the table, Tate has one goal in mind—finish the fight.

Tate’s no rookie when it comes to finishing off her opponent as she’s found a way to finish eight opponents in just 12 victories.

The eye-catching Tate will attempt to make Rousey her ninth victim of a finish when the two kick off the main event on March 3rd.

“I do know whats shes obviously really good at, but I don’t know what else she has to her game. I want to finish the fight and that’s the goal,” stated Tate. “The finish is definitely what I’m training for.”

“This could be a very competitive fight. I have to be prepared to go all five rounds,” said Tate. “I can’t tell what’s going to happen, but I’m prepared to do either or but I’m always looking for the finish.”

 

For additional information, follow Garrett Derr on Twitter.

Read more MMA news on BleacherReport.com