Tatiana Suarez will have to wait even longer to book her next fight.
The former Ultimate Fighter winner was forced out of her upcoming bout against Roxanne Modafferi at UFC 266 in September and now she’s revealed that it was an injury that forced her to withdraw from the card.
“I sustained a very bad knee injury and now I need surgery,” Suarez explained on Instagram. “I can’t believe it’s my reality but it is and when they do a story on me, it’s going to be the most kick ass story out there cause when I make my comeback, it’s going to be amazing and I can’t wait for it.
“I’m going to stay positive. I’m going to remain positive. I know that this is going to be hard. Injuries are always hard, mentally more than physically but I can do it.”
Suarez didn’t detail exactly what kind of injury she suffered or the type of surgery she’s undergoing to repair the damage done in her knee. There’s also no timetable for her return to action.
Unfortunately, this is just the latest setback in a very promising career for Suarez, who currently holds a perfect 9-0 record in mixed martial arts including five consecutive wins in the UFC.
After winning The Ultimate Fighter reality show, Suarez quickly established herself as a contender in the strawweight division with statement wins over Alexa Grasso and former champion Carla Esparza. She then earned a unanimous decision win over Nina Nunes, which likely put her no more than one fight away from a title shot.
Sadly a severe neck injury had prevented Suarez from competing since that victory in June 2019.
Her return to action was actually going to take place at flyweight as Suarez anticipated a move up to 125 pounds for the fight with Modafferi but now that’s been put on hold as she prepares to undergo surgery.
Meanwhile, Modafferi is expected to remain on the UFC 266 card against a new opponent still to be determined.