Tina Black claims TUF 34 title with second-round TKO over UFC newcomer Melissa Amaya
In the strawweight final of reality show "The Ultimate Fighter" season 34, Tina Black defeated Spokane fighter Melissa Amaya by TKO at 3:19 of round two, in what was Amaya's UFC debut.
The fight in Las Vegas
On September 26, 2026, at UFC Fight Night: Rosas Jr. vs Barcelos, held at the Meta Apex in Las Vegas, Tina Black defeated Melissa Amaya via technical knockout at 3:19 of the second round. The win made Black the strawweight champion of "The Ultimate Fighter" (TUF) season 34, according to UFC.com. However, UFC's Spanish-language outlet notes that these TUF finale bouts do not officially count as UFC fights, similar to Dana White's Contender Series contests.
Amaya's road to the UFC
Melissa Amaya, undefeated (8-0) heading into the bout, reached the UFC after eight professional fights with Combate Global. According to the Spokesman-Review, Amaya was turned pro from the very start of her career, skipping the amateur ranks — a decision her coach, Rick Little, has said was based on her being mentally and physically ready to compete at a high level immediately. In a 2023 fight against Gillian Noll, Amaya broke her hand but fought through the injury to win.
On season 34 of The Ultimate Fighter, Amaya submitted Anna Melisano in the opening round of her first fight, then escaped a dangerous armbar in her second fight before earning a TKO over Gigi Canuto in round two. Amaya and Black were teammates on the show, coached by former two-division UFC champion Daniel Cormier, living together in the TUF house for weeks before facing each other.
Physical stats and context
Both fighters stand 5-foot-4, though Amaya held a slight reach advantage at 64.5 inches to Black's 63.5 inches. Black is known as a heavy striker with relentless forward pressure, while Amaya is considered a versatile fighter comfortable both standing and on the ground.
BVM Sports reports that, despite the challenges, Amaya said she genuinely enjoyed her time in the TUF house, comparing the four-week experience to an entire college experience. The Amaya-Black bout was the second fight on the main card that evening, which also featured another Amaya teammate, Brady Hiestand.
