Tatiana Suarez wants another shot at gold after her latest win at UFC Vegas 124.
While far from the most exciting fight on the card, Suarez used her wrestling to frustrate and control Virna Jandiroba again and again over three rounds. When it was over, the judges scored the fight 30-27, 30-27 and 29-28 with Suarez getting the nod by unanimous decision.
“I feel like it was a good matchup,” Suarez said after the win. “She’s excellent on the ground. I’m glad I can experience this with all of you guys. I just wanted to go out there and show everything. I had fun. I had a lot of fun out there. I want that belt. I look forward to the challenge.”
Suarez was the first to shoot for a takedown in the battle of grapplers with Jandiroba defending well to stay on her feet. Suarez held onto the single leg while trying to trip the Brazilian to the ground before pushing the action to the fence.
Suarez eventually abandoned the takedown to reset in the center of the cage but it wasn’t long before she was grabbing onto the clinch again to use her wrestling. Jandiroba defended well and finally broke free before she exploded forward for a takedown of her own.
On the restart in round two, Suarez scored with a good knee to the body before once again diving for the takedown and locking up with Jandiroba against the cage. Jandiroba continued to resist and break free but she just wasn’t doing enough damage on the feet to keep Suarez away from her.
Suarez kept trying to employ her wrestling but she just couldn’t drag Jandiroba to the ground. Jandiroba missed with her own takedown with Suarez countering and landing on top but she was mainly holding on for control rather than unleashing much ground and pound.
Jandiroba did snatch a late kneebar attempt but time ran out before she could fully extend the submission.
With five minutes remaining, Suarez threw some heavy punches but it only took her 90 seconds to dive for another takedown. This time, she got Jandiroba down with Suarez trying to advance her position on the ground.
Suarez maintained control as time ticked away until the final horn.
It’s going to be hard to deny Suarez another title shot as she continues racking up wins, although she isn’t exactly setting the world on fire with her performances. That said, Suarez matches up well with champion Mackenzie Dern so that could be a matchup to make in 2027.
