The Ultimate Fighter 34 women’s strawweight tournament concluded on September 26, 2026, at UFC Vegas 121, with Valesca Machado, also known as Tina Black, defeating Melissa Amaya by TKO in the second round.
Why it matters: This victory marks a major milestone for Black, who now holds the TUF 34 title and is on the path to potentially becoming a UFC champion. Her win reflects her hard work and determination, as well as her experience in high-stakes fights.
- Black was a former Invicta FC champion and entered the final with a professional MMA record of 15-4.
- Amaya, who was undefeated at 8-0, had a strong showing leading up to the finale but fell short against Black.
- Black's victory secures her title and opens doors for future opportunities in the UFC.
Driving the news: The fight showcased both competitors' skills, with Black starting strong by landing a powerful right hand that dropped Amaya in the first round. After a brief recovery by Amaya, Black maintained her offensive pressure, eventually finishing the fight with a series of strikes in the second round.
- In the first round, Black caught Amaya with a clean right hand that led to a knockdown.
- Amaya managed to recover and attempted to retaliate, but Black's timing and technique proved superior.
- Black secured the TKO victory at 3:19 of the second round, marking a decisive end to the match.
State of play: Leading up to the final, Black had demonstrated her prowess by defeating Natalia Alves via third-round TKO and Delphine Benouaich by unanimous decision. Meanwhile, Amaya advanced through the semifinals with a first-round submission victory over Anna Melisano and a second-round TKO against Gigi Canuto.
- Black was heavily favored at -205, with Amaya entering as a +170 underdog.
- Both fighters trained under Team Cormier, adding a layer of camaraderie and rivalry to the matchup.
- Black's experience in previous promotions like Invicta FC and A1 Combat contributed to her success in the finale.
The big picture: Black's victory is a culmination of her dedication to the sport and her aspirations to achieve greatness within the UFC. She aims to follow in the footsteps of other champions and make a mark in the history of mixed martial arts.
- Black has expressed her desire to win the UFC belt, stating, "I want to be recognized like so many other people are. I want to get there like they did, making history."
- Her win at TUF 34 could serve as a stepping stone to a future title shot in the UFC.
- With a professional record of 15-4, Black's experience and skill set position her as a formidable contender in the strawweight division.
What they're saying: Following her victory, Black shared her gratitude and aspirations. “I’m appreciating everything that God has put in my path,” she said, acknowledging the milestones in her career. She noted the significance of her TUF win, emphasizing her commitment to making history in the UFC.
- Black praised Amaya’s resilience, stating, “She was a real warrior inside the house,” recognizing her opponent's determination throughout the tournament.
- Black’s confidence shines through as she declared, “I believe I’m going to leave with my hand raised,” before the fight.
- “The important thing is to put another little trophy up there at my sister’s home,” Black added, highlighting her personal motivations beyond just titles.
By the numbers: The statistics from their respective paths to the final reveal much about both fighters’ capabilities and performance.
- Black finished the tournament with a record of 3-0 in TUF, including two stoppages.
- Amaya entered the final with an undefeated record of 8-0, demonstrating her own skill and tenacity.
- Black's previous wins in Invicta FC included fighting twice in one night to claim the championship, a feat she described as more challenging than her TUF experience.
What's next: With this championship under her belt, Black is now focused on her future within the UFC. She aims to leverage her TUF victory as a springboard for greater opportunities in the promotion.
- Black’s next steps may include seeking a title shot in the UFC strawweight division.
- Her performance at UFC Vegas 121 will likely attract the attention of matchmakers looking to promote her in upcoming events.
- As she celebrates her TUF title, Black remains committed to her training and growth as a fighter, aiming to inspire others along the way.