Strawweight promise, Tatiana Suarez regrets change of category for former champion: 'She avoided me'

T. Suarez regretted not being able to face R. Namajunas (Photo: MONTAGE/ SUPER FIGHTS)

One of the UFC's biggest promises this century, at strawweight (up to 52,2kg) Tatiana Suarez placeholder image did not hide her dissatisfaction with the former champion's rise in category Rose namajunas. In an interview with the 'MMA Hour' program, the North American lamented the migration of 'Thug Rose' to the flyweight category (up to 56,7kg) and provoked an ironic suggestion by insinuating that the former owner of the belt is running away from a possible confrontation.

See too

Zuckerberg's training partner highlights talent and discipline adopted by the billionaire in martial arts

Jake Paul makes surprising comparison about Nate Diaz's striking: 'Same level as Anderson Silva'

Fabrício Werdum confirms rematch with Junior Cigano and announces correct date for the clash

“I think she totally avoided me. I'm not teasing. Not at all. I think that was her plan all along. That's not even me, I wouldn't even say that if I thought that. Whenever I say I want to fight her, it's not because I just want to go beat her up or something, like I don't like her. I just think she's a good fighter. Like, I watch her fight and I’m amazed at how great she is,” said Tatiana.

The division's promise emphasized that the desire to face Namajunas is nothing personal, just an obsession with facing the best athletes in the sport.

'Well, I want to fight the best. I want to fight the best fighters, because obviously that means I'm the best when I beat them. Or even if I don't beat them, I still share the cage with an incredible MMA fighter. It's all about the competition for me. It's not about wins, losses, anything like that. For me, it's about competition, testing myself. These are the things I aim for. I do this every day at the gym”, concluded Suarez.

After two reigns in the strawweight division, Rose namajunas decided to look for new opportunities and moved to the flyweight division. 'Thug Rose's first challenge in the new category will be in UFC Paris, scheduled for September 02nd against the local athlete Manon Fiorot, number two in the category ranking.

Tenth placed in the strawweight rankings, Tatiana returned to the octagon last February after just over three years of absence, due to a series of injuries. On his return, Suarez finished Mountain Rose in the second round and maintained his undefeated record, now with nine wins.