Wrapping up training camp for her fight last November, Miesha Tate felt as though she was taking a promising step back toward the top of the bantamweight division. She was healthy and strong, disciplined and prepared. But as she walked down the Madison Square Garden aisle toward the Octagon to start the UFC 205 main card, something felt off.
There was no fear of underperformance welling up motivation. There was just a disconnect from the relentless competitor within her. The very thing that had propelled her to the greatest heights in the sport just months before was magically, mysteriously gone.