Miesha Tate, represented by Kevin Harvick’s management company, defeated Holly Holm by submission in the fifth and final round Saturday night to win the women’s UFC bantamweight title at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.
Tate, 29, becomes only the third woman to win that title. Ronda Rousey had been champion in that division until she was upset by Holm in November. Saturday night’s fight was Holm’s first title defense. Tate won via a chokehold at 3:30 of the final round.
Harvick, though, was unable to attend the fight. He explained why in a tweet shortly after the bout.
Damn I wish I was there... Been sick on my ass for 3 days but man I feel good right now!!!
— Kevin Harvick (@KevinHarvick) March 6, 2016
Other NASCAR competitors, in Las Vegas for Sunday’s Sprint Cup race, celebrated Tate’s victory.
What a battle @MieshaTate new champ! #UFC196 pic.twitter.com/R8qNr9ZDjv
— Kasey Kahne (@kaseykahne) March 6, 2016
So so amazing @mieshatate! #1!!!!!! https://t.co/K1dJjLNI2u
— Danica Patrick (@DanicaPatrick) March 6, 2016
What an epic night in the @ufc. #UFC196
— Jimmie Johnson (@JimmieJohnson) March 6, 2016