According to a March 18 report from Bloody Elbow, UFC star Miesha Tate says she wouldn't fight transgender MMA standout Fallon Fox due to safety concerns.
"I wouldn't do it," Tate told ESPN.com. "If there was solid research that [proved] she's 100 percent like a female, then I might consider it.
"I have nothing against transgender people. You should live your life however you want. It's about fighter safety. I wouldn't feel comfortable getting in with someone who is a woman but developed as a man. I just don't think it would be safe."
Tate's comments echoed what UFC color commentator Joe Rogan and Invicta FC strawweight champ Carla Esparza had to say of the transgender star, as all three agree that Fox shouldn't be allowed to fight women.
"I just have a lot of questions and I don't feel there's been enough research to safely say it's OK for Fallon Fox to fight other females," Tate said. "My concern is that she went through puberty as a man. Does that change bone density? Does it change her body frame? I think she has broader shoulders than most [females]. Her hips look different than most females. I'm sure her hands [and feet] are probably bigger. I'm not a medical expert, but there are things I've noticed that are not typical of most female fighters.
"I understand she wants to be viewed as a female. I get it," Tate added of Fox. "That's fine, but it's not fine if you may have a physical advantage and may be able to really hurt someone. It has to be disclosed. It should be an opponent's choice whether they want to fight her or not."
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