Tatiana Suarez, overcoming a challenging career with injuries and setbacks, is set to face Zhang Weili at UFC 312 in the co-main event, aiming to become the UFC champion and solidify her legacy.
Tatiana Suarez has always dreamt of becoming a UFC champion. From her first day on The Ultimate Fighter, she was determined to reach the pinnacle of MMA. Now, she’s just days away from potentially realizing that dream.
At UFC 312, Suarez faces Zhang Weili in the co-main event in Australia. A former Olympic wrestling hopeful turned top MMA fighter, Suarez has been hailed as the future of her division. However, injuries have plagued her career, leading to long breaks, including a recent four-year hiatus and no fights in 2024.
When she finally received the call for a title shot this February, her reaction was somewhat unexpected. “I was like let’s do it,” she told MMA Fighting. Her manager asked if she was happy, and though she confirmed she was, Suarez admitted she struggles to show true emotions to some people. But with her fiancé Patchy Mix, she expressed genuine excitement.
Despite her initial muted enthusiasm, Suarez knew there was no time to celebrate yet. Winning the championship is the ultimate goal. With a perfect 10-0 record and seven straight UFC wins, including five finishes, she’s already defeated three former champions: Alexa Grasso, Carla Esparza, and Jessica Andrade. She hopes Zhang will be the fourth.
Suarez’s finishing ability combined with Zhang’s relentless style promises an electrifying bout. It’s why Suarez believes their fight could steal the show at UFC 312. “I think I match up super well with her,” Suarez said. “It’s going to be fireworks.”
The main event features Dricus du Plessis versus Sean Strickland in a rematch after their close decision earlier this year. Suarez holds no grudge about being in the co-main event; her focus remains on winning regardless of card placement.
“I don’t care,” Suarez stated. “We could be the first fight.” Her confidence is unwavering—she’s ready to claim the world title dominantly.
Suarez’s last UFC appearance was in August 2023 when she submitted Jessica Andrade. Despite preparing for other fights since then, injuries stunted her momentum again. Nevertheless, she insists she’s ready to go against Zhang.
“For me, I train super hard every single week,” Suarez said. She trusts in her preparation and knows it will lead her to victory on Saturday.
Given her tumultuous athletic career—missing out on Olympic glory due to a neck injury and cancer diagnosis—Suarez doesn’t take anything for granted. Transitioning into MMA offered a second chance but has been fraught with challenges.
Understanding the magnitude of what’s ahead, she won’t waste any opportunity to capture the title from Zhang at UFC 312. “That’s just part of who I am,” Suarez reflected on her resilience and mindset shaped by past experiences.
Her journey hasn’t been easy, but it’s destined to define her legacy. As echoed by her brother’s school motto: What will be your legacy? For Suarez, it’s overcoming adversity and making it happen against all odds.