Why UFC 168’s Miesha Tate is actually ‘really thankful’ for rival Ronda Rousey

(This story appears in today’s edition of USA TODAY.)

The first time Miesha Tate fought Ronda Rousey, a technical mistake got her caught in the champ’s famed armbar. But it was an emotional mistake that led her there.

“Ronda said some things that really got under my skin,” Tate tells USA TODAY Sports and MMAjunkie. “She plays the mental warfare game. I didn’t want to fight her because I love fighting; I wanted to fight her because I wanted to beat her up.”

Rousey, who in March 2012 took Tate’s Strikeforce title before assuming the UFC belt, hasn’t toned it down leading up to their rematch Saturday in the co-main event of UFC 168 (10 p.m. ET, pay-per-view). If you watched the two coach on “The Ultimate Fighter 18,” you saw plenty of expletives directed at Tate. But long before she stepped onto the reality TV set, Tate (13-4 MMA, 0-1 UFC) resolved to never again let her rival have the mental advantage.

Instead, she played a few mind games of her own, smiling and blowing kisses to Rousey (7-0 MMA, 1-0 UFC).

While barbs continued to come Tate’s way in the days leading up to the fight, she says she wasn’t dwelling on them.

“The biggest thing for me is just remembering to be myself, be on an even keel, and not allow anyone, particularly Ronda, to make me emotional,” she says. “Really, that’s been the biggest change.”

For that, Tate can thank Rousey. Without such a strong antagonist, she might never have learned that she performs better while clear-headed.

“I’m really thankful that Ronda has been a part of my life and career,” Tate says. “Is she my favorite person on a personal level? No. “Do I appreciate the fact that I’m a better person because she’s been a part of my life? Absolutely. “Do I think I’m a better fighter for having her in my life? Without a doubt.”

Tate also acknowledges that the rivalry is ultimately a good thing for women’s MMA. The first fight is why fans now see women in the octagon in the first place. UFC President Dana White has said as much.

“I take a little bit of satisfaction in that, but most of the credit of where women’s MMA is at this point has to go to (Rousey),” Tate says. “But I do want to change that. I would like to be more of a part of it. I would also like to do that with a smile on my face.”

Tate promises to be ready this time for Rousey’s armbar. But oddsmakers are sticking with Rousey; the champ is as much as a 10-1 favorite. But it could be that with less emotion, Tate forces Rousey to reveal more of her skill. Fans then could be in for a fight.

“She can choose to handle my actions however she wants,” Tate says. “But I’m doing what I do, and I’m not going to let Ronda dictate that.”

For more on UFC 168, stay tuned to the UFC Rumors section of the site.