Tina Black Targets TUF 34 Crown and Future UFC Title Run
TUF 34 finalist Tina Black looks to secure the strawweight tournament trophy at UFC Vegas 121 before eventually joining the ranks of TUF alumni who became UFC champions.
· VILLAND PICK editorial
The Ultimate Fighter 34 strawweight finalist Tina Black is aiming to add her name to the history books, with sights set on both the tournament crown and eventual UFC gold. Black, whose real name is Valesca Machado, entered the competition as Daniel Cormier’s top pick and secured her place in the finale with two exhibition victories. At Saturday’s UFC Vegas 121, the 30-year-old will share the Octagon with fellow Team Cormier representative Melissa Amaya.
Black carries a professional MMA record of 15-4 with one no-contest, not counting her exhibition bouts on the reality series. Since an unsuccessful appearance on Dana White's Contender Series in 2021, she turned her career around by winning seven of her next eight fights while securing championships in both Invicta FC and A1. In an interview with MMA Fighting, Black noted that winning the Invicta title in a single-night tournament featuring two bouts helped prepare her for the unique demands of the TUF format.
Looking ahead, Black hopes to become the 10th fighter in UFC history to capture undisputed promotional gold following a stint on The Ultimate Fighter. Inspired by Brazilian champions such as Amanda Nunes and Alex Pereira, she stated her ambition to make history and remain at the highest level. Addressing the television drama that emerged during the season, Black emphasized that she never played a character on screen and remains focused on following her path step-by-step toward the UFC championship.
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