Tatiana Suarez is one of the most inspiring and dominant athletes in mixed martial arts today. Undefeated in her professional career, Suarez’s journey from wrestling prodigy to UFC title contender is marked by resilience, relentless work ethic, and a fighting spirit that overcame both devastating injuries and cancer. Here’s a comprehensive look at her personal life, career, achievements, and more.
Tatiana Suarez’s Biography
| Attribute | Details |
| Full Name | Tatiana Yadira Suarez Padilla |
| Nickname | N/A |
| Date of Birth | December 19, 1990 |
| Age | 34 years |
| College | Lindenwood University |
| Religion | N/A |
| Nationality | American (of Mexican descent) |
| Height | 5’5″ (165 cm) |
| Turned Pro | 2014 |
| Net Worth | Estimated $4-6 million |
| Salary | $50,000–$225,000 per fight |
| Spouse | Engaged to Patchy Mix |
| Relationship Status | Engaged |
| Children | N/A |
| Instagram Profile | @tatianasuarezufc |
Early Career
Tatiana Suarez began wrestling before age four, inspired by her older brother. She quickly rose through the ranks, earning multiple medals at the World and Pan American Championships. By 2011, she was the top-ranked freestyle wrestler in the U.S. at 55 kg. Her Olympic dream ended abruptly due to a neck injury, which led to the discovery of thyroid cancer. After successful treatment, Suarez transitioned to Brazilian jiu-jitsu, setting her on the path to MMA stardom.
Professional Career
Suarez made her professional MMA debut in July 2014, quickly winning three fights in Gladiator Challenge and claiming a championship. Her grappling dominance earned her a spot on The Ultimate Fighter 23, where she won the strawweight tournament with a first-round submission. Suarez’s UFC debut came in 2017, and she has since remained undefeated, defeating high-profile opponents like Alexa Grasso, Carla Esparza, Nina Ansaroff, and Jessica Andrade.
Despite a 1,359-day layoff due to injuries, Suarez returned in 2023 with back-to-back submission wins. As of 2025, she holds an 11-0 record and is a top contender for the UFC strawweight title, with her story featured in the HBO documentary “The Unbreakable Tatiana Suarez”.
Tatiana Suarez’s Net Worth Details
As of 2025, Tatiana Suarez’s net worth is estimated between $4 million and $6 million. Her income sources include UFC fight purses, performance bonuses, and several endorsement deals.
Fight Purses
| Event | Opponent | Purse |
| UFC on ESPN: Sandhagen vs. Font | Jéssica Andrade | $106,000 (includes $50k bonus) |
| UFC Fight Night: Muniz vs. Allen | Montana De La Rosa | $86,000 (includes $50k bonus) |
| UFC on ESPN 50 | Jéssica Andrade | $50,000 (base, excluding bonuses) |
| UFC 312 (title fight, projected) | Zhang Weili | Expected $200,000+ (projected) |
Endorsements
- TurboTax (Brand Ambassador, since April 2025)
- IM8 (Supplement and vitamin company)
- Celsius Energy Drinks
- G-Shock
Career Record
| Date | Opponent | Result | Method | Event |
| Aug 5, 2023 | Jéssica Andrade | Win | Submission (Guillotine Choke) | UFC on ESPN: Sandhagen vs. Font |
| Feb 25, 2023 | Montana De La Rosa | Win | Submission (Guillotine Choke) | UFC Fight Night: Muniz vs. Allen |
| Jun 8, 2019 | Nina Ansaroff | Win | Decision (Unanimous) | UFC 238 |
| Sep 8, 2018 | Carla Esparza | Win | TKO (Punches) | UFC 228 |
| May 19, 2018 | Alexa Grasso | Win | Submission (Rear-Naked Choke) | UFC Fight Night: Maia vs. Usman |
| Nov 11, 2017 | Viviane Pereira | Win | Decision (Unanimous) | UFC Fight Night: Poirier vs. Pettis |
| Jul 8, 2016 | Amanda Cooper | Win | Submission (Brabo Choke) | The Ultimate Fighter 23 Finale |
| Aug 22, 2015 | Arline Coban | Win | TKO (Punches) | Gladiator Challenge |
| Apr 11, 2015 | Carolina Alvarez | Win | Submission (Armbar) | Gladiator Challenge |
| Jul 19, 2014 | Tyra Parker | Win | Decision (Unanimous) | Gladiator Challenge |
FAQs
1. Who is Tatiana Suarez?
Tatiana Suarez is an American professional mixed martial artist and former wrestler who competes in the UFC’s women’s strawweight division. She is known for winning The Ultimate Fighter 23 tournament and has been ranked as high as #2 in the UFC women’s strawweight rankings.
2. What is Tatiana Suarez’s wrestling background?
Suarez began wrestling before age four and became a multi-time medalist in women’s freestyle at the World Championships and World Junior Championships. She won gold at the Pan American Championships and was twice named National High School Wrestler of the Year.
3. How did Tatiana Suarez overcome cancer?
While training for the 2012 Olympics, Suarez suffered a neck injury that led doctors to discover thyroid cancer. She underwent radiation therapy, had her thyroid and several lymph nodes removed, and after successful treatment became cancer-free before transitioning to MMA.
4. What are Tatiana Suarez’s notable achievements in MMA?
Suarez won The Ultimate Fighter 23, secured multiple UFC victories—including submissions over Alexa Grasso and Jessica Andrade—and earned several Performance of the Night bonuses. She maintained an undefeated record until her 2025 title fight.
5. Why did Tatiana Suarez take a long break from fighting?
Suarez was sidelined for nearly four years due to serious injuries, including a neck injury and a devastating knee injury that required extensive recovery.
6. What happened in Tatiana Suarez’s UFC title fight?
Suarez challenged Zhang Weili for the UFC Women’s Strawweight Championship at UFC 312 in February 2025 but lost by unanimous decision, marking her first professional MMA defeat.
7. What is Tatiana Suarez’s fighting style?
Suarez is renowned for her dominant wrestling and grappling skills, often finishing opponents with submissions such as the D’Arce choke and guillotine choke.
8. How did Tatiana Suarez get started in MMA?
After her wrestling career ended due to injury and cancer, Suarez began training Brazilian jiu-jitsu, which led her to MMA. She quickly found success, turning professional in 2014 and winning her first fights in the Gladiator Challenge promotion.
9. What is the HBO documentary about Tatiana Suarez?
The HBO documentary “The Unbreakable Tatiana Suarez” chronicles her journey from wrestling prodigy to MMA contender, highlighting her resilience in overcoming cancer and injuries to return to the UFC.
10. Who is Tatiana Suarez’s fiancé?
Tatiana Suarez is engaged to Patchy Mix, a former Bellator MMA featherweight champion and top MMA grappler, who also helps her train.