In the world of mixed martial arts, where fighters strive to make their mark, Tina Black stands out not just for her skills in the octagon but also for her powerful message. Her journey from Valesca Machado to Tina Black is a testament to her resilience and determination, both inside and outside the cage. As she navigates the challenges of the Ultimate Fighter 34, Black's story is a compelling narrative of personal growth, cultural pride, and a bold stance against prejudice.
Black's nickname, Tina Black, carries a deeper meaning than meets the eye. It's a statement, a declaration of her identity and a call to action. As she explains, "My nickname came from my brother, who used to call me ‘Tinininha’ when I was little. As I got older, everyone started calling me Tina. When I started fighting, I went by ‘Tina Silva.’ I had really big afro hair, and my friend [former UFC fighter] Poliana Botelho said, ‘Why don’t you drop Tina Silva and go with Tina Black?’ Everyone thinks it’s because of my skin color, but it’s actually because of my afro hair."
What makes this particularly fascinating is that Black's nickname is a powerful symbol of her identity and a statement against prejudice. As she notes, "It’s also because I really want to represent black people and show that we have our place, we have our voice, and we can achieve anything we want. We deal with prejudice. Only someone with black skin truly knows the prejudice we face and the looks we get from society. Society isn’t used to seeing black people at the top, but we’re fighting to earn our place."
Black's message is clear: she wants to raise the black flag and inspire others to do the same. "I definitely think it is, and that’s why I decided to carry that message," she says. "I really want people to see that we need to keep raising the black flag. By doing that, I hope everyone from the communities, everyone who’s black, will raise that flag with me."
Her journey to the Ultimate Fighter 34 has been a transformative one. After winning an Invicta FC tournament and capturing a 115-pound title in 2022, Black faced a setback in 2023 when she lost to Danni McCormack in her first defense of her Invicta strawweight title. This loss led her to overhaul her training and preparation, beginning with her joining Faber’s famed Alpha Male gym in 2023.
In my opinion, Black's decision to move to California and train with Urijah Faber was a pivotal moment in her career. It was a bold move that demonstrated her commitment to her craft and her desire to elevate her game. As she reflects, "Everything changed for me when I lost the Invicta title. I had already come here and done a training camp, but I had to go back to Brazil because of my visa. That affected my life and my career a lot. I thought, ‘That was my opportunity. I don’t know if I’ll ever get another one.’"
Black's exile from her native Brazil is a testament to her dedication to her goals. She has not set foot in her homeland since 2021, and her promise to her parents and family is clear: she will only return with a UFC contract. "I promised my parents and my family that I’d only come back home with a UFC contract, and once I put something in my heart and in my mind, nobody can change it," she says.
Black's first fight of the TUF 34 season was a dominant performance against Brazilian rival Natalia Alves. Despite Alves coming in half a pound over the strawweight limit, Black dominated her for the majority of the contest before forcing a knockout stoppage in Round 2. Her semifinal matchup is yet to be announced, but she appears to be on a collision course with another Brazilian, GiGi Canuto.
One thing that immediately stands out is the tension between Black and her opponents on the show. Her frequent disagreements with Alves and Canuto have set the stage for a heated grudge match. As Black notes, "She always wanted to be the center of attention. Whenever she saw a camera, she’d suddenly become outspoken. Behind the cameras, she didn’t do anything, but in front of them she had a lot to say. She wanted to steal my moment, but that was my moment. So I told her she’d be next."
Black's attitude is a reflection of her background and her experiences. "I’m not afraid. Where I come from, people aren’t afraid of anything. I grew up in the favela and I’m not going to back down from anyone. I might go down, but if I do, I’ll go down shooting [laughs]," she says.
In conclusion, Tina Black's journey on the Ultimate Fighter 34 is a powerful narrative of personal growth, cultural pride, and a bold stance against prejudice. Her nickname, her message, and her actions all speak to her determination to make a difference. As she continues to navigate the challenges of the show, Black's story is a reminder of the power of resilience and the importance of standing up for what you believe in. From my perspective, her impact extends far beyond the octagon, inspiring others to raise their flags and fight for a more inclusive and equitable world.
