TUF 34 Winner Tina Black Targets Top-15 Opponent for UFC Debut
Following her Ultimate Fighter 34 tournament victory in September, Tina Black is hoping to make her official UFC debut before the end of the year against a ranked strawweight opponent.
· VILLAND PICK editorial
Tina Black is looking to maintain her momentum after winning Season 34 of The Ultimate Fighter in September. The 30-year-old Brazilian strawweight, also known as Valesca Machado, told MMA Fighting that she hopes to return to the Octagon before the end of the year and is targeting an immediate matchup against a top-10 or top-15 contender.
Black captured the TUF trophy on Sept. 26 by stopping Melissa Amaya. Competing as part of Daniel Cormier's team on the show, she also secured victories over Natalia Alves and Delphine Benouaich. Riding a six-fight winning streak across her recent appearances, Black confirmed that an initial concern over a hand injury was cleared, leaving her healthy and ready to resume training as her management explores potential fight opportunities.
After her tournament win, Black remained in Las Vegas to help teammate Aieza Bertolso, who earned a UFC contract on Dana White's Contender Series to join the same 115-pound division. Black acknowledged having close ties with several fighters in the weight class, including past training partners and athletes she has cornered, such as Virna and Iasmin Lucindo. While open to facing familiar opponents if necessary, Black noted she is prepared for either a fast track to contention or a longer climb up the rankings.
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