Tina Black explains nickname's anti-prejudice message on TUF 34

The Ultimate Fighter 34 strawweight Tina Black has transformed her nickname into a statement against prejudice in mixed martial arts.

Black, who fights under the moniker Tina Black after starting her career as Valesca Machado, told MMA Fighting's Guilherme Cruz that her name change carries deeper meaning than most fans realize. The 30-year-old Brazilian explained that while the nickname originated from childhood — her brother called her Tinininha growing up — former UFC fighter Poliana Botelho suggested she adopt "Tina Black" as a reference to her afro hair. The name has since become a platform for broader representation.

Black's message on representation in MMA

"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," Black said, per MMA Fighting. "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 advanced through the TUF 34 quarterfinals with a second-round knockout of Natalia Alves. The former Invicta FC strawweight champion relocated to California three years ago to train with Urijah Faber at Team Alpha Male and has vowed not to return to Brazil until she secures a UFC contract. She faces a potential semifinal matchup with GiGi Canuto, who knocked out Black's Team Cormier teammate Anita Karim.

Black told Cruz she hopes her visibility on the show encourages others to join her cause. "I really want people to see that we need to keep raising the black flag," she said. "By doing that, I hope everyone from the communities, everyone who's black, will raise that flag with me."

Original reporting:

• mmafighting.com — TUF 34’s Tina Black explains how nickname is statement against prejudice: ‘Raise that flag with me’ | MMA Fighting