8 things you need to know about Tatiana Suarez ahead of HBO documentary
Los Angeles, California (Release): HBO Sports Documentary film 'The Unbreakable Tatiana Suarez', directed by Cassius Corrigan, releases on Wednesday, January 31, at 9pm ET/PT on HBO and will be available to stream on Max.
This documentary chronicles the spirit and drive of mixed martial arts (MMA) fighter Tatiana Suarez, 33, as she prepares to reenter the cage after a nearly four-year injury layoff from the sport. Looking back on her improbable recovery, Suarez reflects on her journey from wrestling prodigy to professional athlete in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), and the legacy she leaves young women, particularly those in the Latina community.
Is Tatiana Suarez American?
Yes she is. Tatiana was born in the baseball-loving Covina, California on December 19, 1990. She does, however, have Mexican heritage. In the early part of her career she competed under the name Tatiana Padilla (the surname of her stepfather) but changed it to Suarez (after her biological father) when she began Mixed Martial Arts.
Was Tatiana Suarez originally a wrestler?
Yes, and a highly-skilled one too. She won gold at the 2008 Pan American Championships and bronze medals at the Junior World Championships and the World Championships all in the same year. The following year she came fifth at the World Championships, but bounced back in 2010 to claim silver at the World Cup and bronze at the World Championships. She was the number one freestyle wrestler in the US at 55 kg.
Did Tatian Suarez ever compete at the Olympics?
Tatiana was scheduled to compete for the USA at the London Olympics in 2012, but suffered a neck injury in training which put paid to those plans.
Did Tatiana Suarez have cancer?
After suffering the neck injury that derailed her plans for the London Olympics in 2012, Tatiana underwent a number of scans to examine the extent of her neck injury. During the scans doctors found a cancerous growth on her thyroid. After a course of radiation therapy and surgery to remove infected lymph nodes, she was declared cancer-free.
What are the martial art styles Tatiana Suarez excels in?
After her recovery from cancer Tatiana took up Brazilian Jiu-jitsu. As in everything she does Tatiana excelled and is now a Black belt in the martial art. That coupled with her championship-winning wrestling skills makes her a truly formidable MMA fighter.
Has Tatiana ever lost an MMA fight?
As of writing this she hasn't. Her record currently stands at 10-0, with two knockouts. She has, however, suffered four losses in her wrestling career.
How tall is Tatiana Suarez?
Tatiana is 5 feet 5 inches (1.65m, 165cms) tall.
Is Tatiana Suarz married?
No she is not. But she is dating, and still is to the best of our knowledge, fellow MMA fighter Christopher Sykes.