UFC Fighter Miesha Tate Joins KHI Management

UFC fighter Miesha Tate signed with KHI, which is the management firm owned by NASCAR superstar Kevin Harvick.

The former bantamweight title challenger now joins lightweight staple Donald Cerrone on KHI’s roster and is the first female athlete the company has signed.

Speaking to Bleacher Report, Tate said: “I’m excited about the entire process. I think this is the smartest move I’ve ever made in my career because KHI and I are on the exact same page.

“I want to build my brand, and that is what their management company is about. For me it was a no-brainer. I discussed this a little bit with Donald Cerrone, and he spoke so highly of his management. And I’m telling you that is not something that is common in this sport. Normally, when I ask someone about their management they have varying things to say, but I’ve never seen someone light up the way Cerrone did when talking about working with KHI.

“I also love the fact that KHI is still new to the MMA game, and that’s great because there is room for all of us to grow together. I love that they have things outside of MMA to offer me. I think a cross promotion between the UFC and NASCAR is a no-brainer, and this is going to be a very successful partnership.”

Kevin Harvick added: “We have been looking to sign a female athlete for some time. We were so excited when she called just to look into what the management company was all about, that when Josh (Jones, director of business development) hung up the phone I told him that whatever he needed to do to make it happen…he needed to make it happen. It brings a lot to the table for us, and I think it is going to open a lot of new doors.

“From a credibility standpoint it brings a lot to the table for us. Miesha is a great person, has a great personality and we like the way she goes about handling things. As she has already mentioned, the sponsors have already bought into what she has going and what we have developed amongst our groups. It’s going to be fun to see it all progress, and our main focus is to develop a program that Miesha likes.