UFC Des Moines is shaping up to be an intriguing card, with a unique mix of fresh talent and veterans making returns to the Octagon. Among those returning is a seasoned former champion who recently reflected on what could have been a major rematch ahead of her comeback fight. As the event draws closer, it becomes clear that some of the most compelling storylines aren’t just in the matchups—but in the moments that never happened.

One of those stories comes from Miesha Tate, who spoke with Damon Martin of MMAFightingonSBN ahead of her fight at UFC Des Moines on May 3. In the interview, Tate expressed her long-standing desire for a rematch with Holly Holm—a bout that never materialized after Tate’s win over Holm in 2016 at UFC 196 via rear-naked choke to claim the UFC bantamweight championship. Tate revealed that both she and Holm were interested in running it back, but timing and circumstances got in the way.

‘Yeah, that was what I originally had my heart set on,’ Tate explained. ‘It’s what I would have liked to have happen. Unfortunately, we missed the window on it.’ She elaborated that Holm was likely already out of the UFC by the time she reached out, and despite mutual interest, the rematch never took shape. ‘I know that we both really wanted to fight each other—we both did,’ Tate added. ‘But… the only way that’s going to happen is outside this organization. It didn’t end up working out, and it’s a bummer.’

Tate last competed in December 2023, submitting Julia Avila in the third round. Following a year-long absence due to injury, she now returns to face Yana Santos with renewed focus. UFC Des Moines may offer a fresh chapter—but the shadow of a missed rematch still lingers just behind the spotlight.

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