Tatiana Suarez: The Fearless and Undefeated UFC Challenger in the Strawweight and Flyweight Division
Tatiana "The Eagle" Suarez, born on December 19, 1990 in Covina, California, is one of the most impressive and dominant fighters in the UFC. With her strong wrestling background and undefeated record, Suarez is known as one of the most dangerous and technically complete fighters in both the strawweight and flyweight divisions. Despite setbacks outside of the octagon, Suarez has proven herself to be a force to be reckoned with in the UFC and a future champion in the making.
Early Life and Career
Tatiana Suarez began her athletic career as a wrestler. She grew up in California and developed into one of the best wrestlers in the country. Suarez was a contender to compete in the Olympics in wrestling, but her dream was interrupted when she was diagnosed with thyroid cancer. After successfully treating the disease, Suarez returned to the sport, but this time she focused on mixed martial arts (MMA).
Her background in wrestling gave her a strong foundation in grappling and control, which she has been able to use effectively in MMA. Suarez began her professional MMA career in 2014, and her strong performances on the regional circuit quickly caught the attention of the UFC.
Breakthrough in the UFC
Tatiana Suarez broke into the UFC by competing on The Ultimate Fighter season 23. She won the tournament in 2016 by defeating Amanda Cooper via submission (rear-naked choke) in the first round during the finals. The victory made it clear that Suarez was not only a strong wrestler, but had also developed dangerous submission skills. Her victory on The Ultimate Fighter secured her a UFC contract and marked the beginning of her rise in the organization.
UFC Career
Following her win on The Ultimate Fighter, Suarez continued to impress inside the octagon, posting dominant wins against tough opponents such as Viviane Pereira, Alexa Grasso, and former UFC champion Carla Esparza. Her ability to take her opponents to the ground and dominate them has earned her a reputation as one of the best wrestlers in female MMA.
One of her most impressive performances came in September 2018 when she defeated Esparza at UFC 228. Suarez won the fight via TKO in the third round, showcasing her power and ground control against a former champion. Following the win, Suarez was widely regarded as a top contender for the UFC strawweight title.
Unfortunately, Suarez's rise was cut short by injuries, which kept her out of competition for over three years. Despite this setback, Suarez returned to the octagon in 2023, competing in the flyweight division and scoring another impressive victory. Her comeback showcased her determination and ability to perform at the highest level, even after a long absence.
Style and Technique
Tatiana Suarez is known for her exceptional wrestling skills, which give her the ability to take her opponents to the ground and dominate them. She uses her strong takedowns and ground control to neutralize her opponents and work towards submissions. Her pressure and ground game are so overwhelming that many of her opponents struggle to defend themselves once they are on the ground.
While wrestling is her strength, Suarez has also worked on her striking, making her a more versatile fighter. She remains calm and calculated in the stand-up fight, but her main focus is to close the distance and take the fight to the ground, where she can dominate her opponents.
Major Victories
One of Suarez's most notable wins came against former champion Carla Esparza at UFC 228. This victory cemented her status as a top contender in the strawweight division. Additionally, her victories over Alexa Grasso, who would go on to win the UFC flyweight title, and her comeback victory in 2023 are major milestones in her career.
Future Ambitions
Tatiana Suarez has her sights set on winning UFC gold. Despite her long absence due to injuries, she remains one of the most talented and dangerous fighters in the division. Her goal is to continue to prove herself at both the strawweight and flyweight divisions, and she has the skills and mentality to challenge for the title in the near future.
Conclusion
Tatiana Suarez is one of the most dominant and talented fighters in female MMA. Her strong wrestling background, combined with her technical ability and determination, makes her a constant threat at both the strawweight and flyweight divisions. Despite setbacks outside of the octagon, Suarez remains focused on her goal of becoming a champion, and her impressive career to date suggests that she is well on her way to achieving that dream. With her return to the UFC, Suarez will undoubtedly continue to rise to the top of the division and make her mark on the sport.
