Tatiana Suarez has spent much of her UFC career fighting to prove that she belongs at the top of the strawweight division. Ahead of UFC Vegas 124, the former title challenger is once again focused on getting there.
Suarez (12-1 MMA, 9-1 UFC) faces fellow former title challenger Virna Jandiroba (23-4 MMA, 9-4 UFC) in the co-main event this Saturday, a matchup that could have significant implications for the division's championship picture. For Suarez, however, the path forward is simple.
"I'm just focused on Virna," she said. "That's my goal right now."
It is a straightforward approach from a fighter who has experienced more than her share of setbacks. Injuries and lengthy periods away from competition once threatened to derail her progress. Now, with two consecutive victories behind her and another major opportunity in front of her, Suarez is grateful to be competing regularly again.
"I'm obviously super grateful to be able to go in there and get more fights under my belt," she said.
After a long layoff, she is determined to grab this chance with both hands. "I'm trying to take advantage of every opportunity I can to get back in there and gain some more experience and continue on to try to become a champion."
Learning from the first defeat
Suarez entered her title fight against Zhang Weili in February 2025 with an undefeated professional record. The loss that followed was unfamiliar territory for a fighter who had built her reputation on overcoming adversity.
The defeat was difficult to process. For a time, even watching the fight back was a challenge. Eventually, Suarez found the perspective she needed.
"I would just say, like, just being super methodical and just being loose and not forcing stuff," she said when asked about the biggest lessons she took from the fight.
"That's when I do my very, very best, when I'm not forcing anything and I'm just out there flowing and I'm having fun."
The experience also taught her the importance of remaining composed when things do not go according to plan. She learned that being in a difficult position does not mean the fight is over. "It's okay to be in those positions, but you got to work out of them."
Suarez also acknowledged the need to be more urgent in certain situations. The experience, she believes, will ultimately help her become a better fighter.
"I learned a lot. Honestly, I did. I didn't learn a lot for a while. It was really hard for me to even muster up the courage to even watch the fight. And then I finally did, and I was like, you know, this has really helped me a lot. This is going to help me become champion."
The defeat may have ended her unbeaten run, but it did not change her belief in what she can accomplish. "I've had so much of my life try to throw me off track. A loss was never going to throw me off track."
A dangerous matchup in Las Vegas
Standing across from Suarez this weekend will be Jandiroba, another accomplished grappler who has already challenged for the UFC strawweight title. Suarez expects a competitive fight against an opponent who is capable of testing her in every area.
"We're both good grapplers. She does like to stand as well a little bit, so I just feel like it's going to be an overall great fight."
Jandiroba's five-round battle with Mackenzie Dern at UFC 321 a year ago also provided Suarez with a reminder of the toughness and experience her opponent brings into the matchup. "She's pretty sufficient everywhere," Suarez said. "I think everything. And I'm going to be ready. I'm on point, I'm sharp."
Suarez believes the key will be to trust the work she has put in throughout training camp.
"I just got to implement my game plan and go out there and just be me, just be who I am, and present all my skills that I've been working on and show them all."
After a lengthy camp, the anticipation of finally stepping into the Octagon is beginning to build. "This camp was so long, too. So I just feel like I've been training for so long. I'm like, okay, it's finally here. I'm ready, you know, and I'm excited for it."
Keeping her eyes on the prize
The UFC strawweight division remains one of the most competitive in the sport, with several established contenders and rising challengers competing for position. Suarez is aware of the landscape. She watches other fighters compete and considers how her skills might match up against theirs.
But she refuses to let the bigger picture distract her from the task immediately in front of her.
"I think I've matched up well with all of them," she said.
For now, the focus remains entirely on Jandiroba. Suarez has not set herself a specific number of victories that she believes will guarantee another title opportunity. She leaves those discussions to her manager and concentrates on improving as a fighter.
"I just go and I just fight," she said.
Her approach is to take each opportunity as it comes, rather than become consumed by the politics of the championship picture.
"Not really focusing on, like, 'Oh, if I get this many more wins, I get to fight for the title.' It's just like, okay, when it comes, it comes, and I'll be ready."
Still, Suarez recognizes the significance of Saturday's matchup. A victory over another former title challenger would strengthen her case for another shot at the belt. Asked whether a decisive finish and a performance bonus could be enough to earn her another title opportunity, Suarez was optimistic.
"I think so. Yeah, I do think so."
But she is not allowing herself to look too far ahead.
"I guess I'll just see then. If it's meant to be, it's meant to be. If not, then it won't."
For a fighter who has already experienced the highs of an undefeated run and the disappointment of a championship defeat, the mindset is a familiar one.
The road back to the top begins with the next fight.
And Suarez believes she is ready to take another step.
