SALT RIVER PIMA-MARICOPA INDIAN COMMUNITY, Arizona — The Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community is bursting with pride as 17-year-old Rianna Tate prepares to take on the 2025 Junior National Championships in Fargo, North Dakota, this July. Rianna, a talented MMA fighter and wrestler from the Community, earned her spot on Team Arizona by dominating the Freestyle National Qualifier on March 1, 2025, at Red Mountain High School in Mesa. Her journey to the Fargo Nationals, the biggest freestyle wrestling tournament in the country, is a testament to her grit and the support of her tight-knit Community.
Rianna’s path to Fargo wasn’t easy. At the qualifier, she faced off against Arizona state champion Madelyn Oliver in the first round, a match that tested her skills from the start. The two went point for point, but Rianna’s determination shone through with a crucial takedown, securing an 11-6 victory. She carried that momentum into her next matches, overpowering Ashlyn Young with swift takedowns and clinching the championship round against Mia Johnson. As a blue belt at just 17, Rianna proved she could hold her own against seasoned wrestlers, earning one of the top three spots in her weight class to represent Team Arizona at the Fargo Dome. Her father and coach, Joe “Tomahawk” Tate, a former MMA fighter, couldn’t hide his pride. “Ona is growing so much in skill and heart,” he said, using Rianna’s nickname. “She makes me proud every day.”
For the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community, Rianna’s success is a shared victory. She’s been training in martial arts since she was 12, starting with her younger sister Johanna under their father’s guidance. Over the years, Rianna has racked up over 120 wins in jiu-jitsu and wrestling, competing across Arizona, Nevada, and beyond. Her journey began after facing bullying as a young girl, which pushed her to train harder and learn to protect herself. Now, she’s not just a fighter but a role model for Indigenous youth, dreaming of becoming the first full-blooded Native American woman to win in the UFC. “I want to show what I can do as an O’odham female,” Rianna once shared, thinking of her ancestors as she steps onto the mat.
The Community has rallied behind her, with local sponsors like CTRL Industries and Living Lotus supporting her journey. Rianna trains daily, often three to four times a day, balancing her time between the gym and coaching younger kids in the Community. Her coaches—Jonathan Van Buren and Adrian Nez for jiu-jitsu, Ray Waters for wrestling, and George Casto for strength—have all played a role in her growth. But it’s her family’s unwavering support that keeps her going, even on the toughest days.
As Rianna prepares for Fargo, the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community is cheering her on, knowing she’s carrying their spirit with her. Her story is one of resilience and hope, inspiring young girls in the Community to chase their dreams. The road to the nationals is tough, but Rianna’s heart is tougher—and her Community believes she’ll make history at the Fargo Dome.
