Tatiana Suarez is on the brink of making history as she prepares for her shot at the UFC Women’s Strawweight Championship at UFC 312, after overcoming significant personal challenges, including surviving cancer.
Suarez, who fights in the Strawweight division of the UFC, has shown extraordinary determination and resilience throughout her mixed martial arts career. With an undefeated record of 11-0-0, she is known as one of the most formidable grapplers within the sport. A submission artist, she has finished six of her victories via submission, demonstrating her grappling prowess.
Competing at the highest level, Suarez lives by the motto, “We don’t break, we break people.” This mindset has been tested numerous times throughout her life, not just inside the Octagon but also through personal adversities outside of it. Earlier this year, Suarez returned to the cage after nearly four years on the sidelines due to injuries, coming back with two decisive wins, solidifying her status as the number one contender for the title, currently held by Zhang Weili.
The 32-year-old’s path to this pinnacle moment, set for her fight against Weili, has been rife with difficulties. Though she often faced setbacks due to injuries, her most significant challenge came long before she stepped foot in the UFC. It was during her preparations for the 2012 Olympics—the coveted dream of any elite athlete—when her life took a dramatic turn.
At just 20 years old, Suarez suffered a neck injury during training, prompting medical examinations which led to her cancer diagnosis. MRI scans revealed she had thyroid cancer, and she faced the grim reality of battling the disease head-on. “They told me the faster it gets out of your system, you don’t have to be in the frickin’ secluded room anymore. So my idea was to flush it out as fast as possible. I had to drink, like, two gallons of water,” Suarez recounted during the UFC 238 press conference, reflecting on the isolation and challenges she faced during her treatment.
For two weeks, Suarez underwent radioactive iodine treatment, which required her to remain isolated due to the radiation emitted from her body during recovery. These were undoubtedly harrowing times, but even amid this struggle, Suarez did not allow her spirit to wane. She found ways to stay active by engaging in exercises and wrestling drills, determined to expedite her recovery process. This unwavering commitment helped her push through and reclaim her life.
While cancer stole her Olympic dreams, it did not break her competitive spirit. Following her recovery, Suarez shifted focus to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, where her coaches recognized her talent and urged her to explore mixed martial arts. She made her professional debut on the regional circuit before earning her spot on The Ultimate Fighter Season 23, showcasing her tenacity and skill.
Suarez’s rise to the UFC was meteoric. She dominated the competition on The Ultimate Fighter, culminating her run with a submission victory over Amanda Cooper, which earned her not just the win but also the Performance of the Night bonus, along with her UFC contract. This success set the stage for her subsequent dominance inside the cage, where she faced and defeated tough opponents like former champions Alexa Grasso and Carla Esparza.
Despite her undefeated record and remarkable career, Suarez took her time before finally claiming her title shot. After her comeback fight, there were discussions of immediate title contention, but fate intervened with injuries stalling her momentum once again. Yet, with her recent victories, she finds herself back on the bigger stage, preparing to face current champion Zhang Weili.
Weili, with her impressive 25-3-0 record, will present the biggest challenge Suarez has faced to date; her last fight was four years ago, where she suffered her only defeat against Rose Namajunas. Many fans wonder if Suarez's unique ability to overcome struggles and her unwavering spirit will be enough to dethrone the reigning champion.
Tatiana Suarez's story is one of extraordinary resilience, proving time and again the strength of the human spirit. Fans and analysts alike are eager to see if she can turn her arduous past battles—both with injury and illness—into triumph inside the Octagon. UFC 312 may just be the moment where Suarez finally achieves the ultimate recognition she has fought hard for, as she aims not only to claim the championship but to inspire countless others who might be facing their own battles.