Valesca Machado

Valesca Machado is a Brazilian mixed martial artist competing in the UFC's women's strawweight division. While her legal name is Valesca Machado da Silva, she is widely known in the combat sports community by her ring name Tina Black. Standing at 5'4" and weighing approximately 115 lbs, she fights out of Brazil with an orthodox stance and represents Team Alpha Male.

Her professional record stands at 15 wins, 4 losses, and 0 draws as of late 2026. Machado gained significant recognition after capturing the Invicta FC Strawweight Championship in a one-night tournament format in November 2022. That title run established her as a serious contender before she signed with the UFC. In 2026, she became a central figure on The Ultimate Fighter Season 34, where she continued to showcase her resilience and striking power against top-tier opposition. [edit]

Born Valesca Machado da Silva on May 6, 1996, in Brazil, her life was defined early on by a deep immersion into martial arts culture. Growing up in a country with a rich fighting heritage, she honed her skills in local gyms long before stepping onto the international stage. Her upbringing focused on discipline and physical prowess, setting the foundation for a career that would eventually take her far beyond her hometown.

Before gaining global fame, Machado built her reputation within the domestic circuit. She spent years refining a style that blended traditional Brazilian techniques with modern MMA strategy. This period was crucial for developing the grit and technical depth she later displayed in major promotions. Her pivotal moment came when she rose through the ranks of the Invicta Fighting Championships, a major feeder league for the UFC. It was here that she proved she could handle high-level pressure, culminating in a championship run that launched her into the upper echelons of the sport.

The transition from a local fighter to a national contender required relentless training and strategic planning. She worked tirelessly to perfect her grappling and striking, ensuring she was ready for the biggest stages. By the time she entered the Invicta tournament in 2022, she had already accumulated enough experience to compete with the best in the world. This pre-fame era was marked by quiet determination rather than public spotlight, laying the groundwork for her future success. [edit]

Machado's professional ascent has been marked by steady progress and significant milestones. Her journey began in Brazil, where she built a record showcasing her striking and grappling abilities. A defining moment occurred on November 17, 2022, at Invicta FC 50. In a one-night tournament format, she claimed the Invicta FC Strawweight Championship, defeating top-tier opponents to prove her readiness for the highest level of competition.

Following her success in Invicta, Machado signed with the UFC. In 2026, she became a central figure in The Ultimate Fighter Season 34, competing under the alias Tina Black. During the season, she delivered a brutal finish against Michael Bisping's final pick in a bloody Brazilian showdown. This performance showcased her resilience and skill, earning widespread acclaim and solidifying her place in the promotion.

As of late 2026, Machado continues to compete actively. She faced Melissa Amaya in a scheduled bout on September 26, 2026, indicating her continued presence in the UFC roster. Her professional record now stands at 15 wins, 4 losses, and 0 draws, with 5 wins by KO/TKO and 1 by submission. She remains a key player in the women's strawweight division, consistently delivering high-level performances that keep fans engaged. [edit]

Machado is portrayed as a resilient, fierce, and culturally conscious fighter. Her use of the Tina Black moniker has positioned her as an advocate against prejudice, adding depth to her public image beyond just her physical prowess. Her content tone is focused on discipline, strength, and breaking barriers. Fans and media alike view her as a determined athlete who uses her platform to challenge norms within the sport.

Social media presence shows a fighter dedicated to her craft. She shares training updates and fight highlights that emphasize her work ethic. Her interactions with fans are respectful and focused on the sport. This authentic approach has helped her build a loyal following who appreciate her honesty and dedication. [edit]

iFANN has not yet collected fame data for this person. While she is a recognized competitor in the MMA community, she does not currently hold a published placement in the Global Fame Rankings. Her visibility is concentrated within the niche audience of mixed martial arts enthusiasts rather than the general public.

There is no officially documented fandom name for Valesca Machado. However, her fanbase consists largely of MMA enthusiasts who follow her rise from Invicta to the UFC. Fans appreciate her underdog narrative and her advocacy work through her nickname. Fan campaigns are limited to support during her fights and social media engagement rather than organized charity drives or chart pushes. The community rallies behind her whenever she steps into the cage, celebrating her victories and respecting her resilience. [edit]

The nickname Tina Black is not just a stage name; it is a political and cultural statement. Machado adopted it to challenge racial and gender prejudices in the sport, urging fans to "raise that flag with me." This moniker serves as a deliberate act of defiance against stereotypes, adding depth to her public persona beyond just her physical prowess.

Despite a 15-4 record, she has only one loss by submission, highlighting her strong defensive grappling and striking accuracy. Her ability to avoid submissions speaks to the rigorous training she undergoes with Team Alpha Male. This defensive strength is a hallmark of her fighting style, making her a difficult opponent to take down.

She represents a specific brand of Brazilian fighting style, bringing the country's rich martial arts heritage to the global stage. Her approach combines the fluidity of Capoeira influences with hard-hitting Muay Thai strikes. This unique blend makes her stand out in the crowded strawweight division and keeps her matches exciting for viewers worldwide. [edit]

Public information regarding Valesca Machado's family is scarce. She maintains a strict separation between her public fighting persona and her private life. There are no credible reports detailing her parents, siblings, or extended family members. She does not appear to have children publicly documented and keeps her personal relationships out of the spotlight. Her focus remains entirely on her athletic career and training regimen. [edit]

Michael Bisping, Melissa Amaya, Team Alpha Male, War Machine Gym, Invicta Fighting Championships[edit]

Public information regarding Valesca Machado's romantic history is scarce. Unlike many celebrity athletes, she maintains a strict separation between her public fighting persona and her private life. There are no credible reports, news articles, or social media confirmations detailing any past or current romantic relationships, engagements, or marriages. She does not appear to have children publicly documented. As of 2026, her relationship status is considered single, with no public partner named. She keeps her family life out of the spotlight, focusing entirely on her athletic career and training. [edit]

iFANN Editorial Team research estimates Valesca Machado's net worth at approximately $500,000 as of 2026. This figure reflects her earnings from professional fighting purses, win bonuses, and potential sponsorships within the MMA industry. As a UFC strawweight with a championship background, her income sources include base salaries for bouts, performance bonuses, and regional sponsorship deals.

Fight purses in the UFC can vary significantly based on the event and the fighter's status. While specific contract details are not public, fighters of her caliber typically earn substantial sums per fight. Her affiliation with Team Alpha Male may also provide additional financial support through training stipends or shared revenue models.

Wealth accumulation for active fighters often depends on consistent performance and longevity in the sport. With a record of 15 wins and a championship pedigree, Machado is well-positioned to continue growing her financial standing. Future fights and potential title shots could further increase her net worth in the coming years. [edit]

Machado's most significant achievement is winning the Invicta FC Strawweight Championship in November 2022. This title victory in a one-night tournament format demonstrated her ability to perform under extreme pressure against elite opposition. While she has not yet won individual UFC performance awards like Fight of the Night, her championship status remains the primary accolade of her career. [edit]