Valesca “Tina” Machado (Strawweight)
25 | 5’4” | Rio de Janeiro, Brazil | 8-2 | 4 Finishes | 4 KO/TKOs | Combined Opponents’ Record: 20-9 | Best win – Julia Polastri (2-1)
Machado has competed in a few other combat sports. The Brazilian is 2-0 in boxing and 5-3 in kickboxing. Machado is on a six-fight win streak and her latest win was for Shooto Brasil. She’s fought at both atomweight and strawweight so she would be a great fighter to help build a UFC atomweight division. Something UFC President Dana White has admitted he has considered.
Machado is a striker-first type of fighter. She’s more of a brawler, as she plants her feet and throws wide looping right and left hooks. Not just a brawler though — she is technical and shows that more as she gets loose in the fight. She will take damage to give some as she is usually likely to have the better chin and hits harder. On the feet, Machado is always throwing volume and staying active especially with her hands. Machado employs her kicks frequently. She actively attacks the lead leg of her opponent, going to the inside and outside mixing it up. She’s also really good in the clinch.
