LFA champion Artem Belakh (11-2) has been confirmed as a participant in the upcoming season of The Ultimate Fighter. The announcement confirms Belakh will compete in the bantamweight division alongside other international talent. The post also mentions that additional fighters from the CIS region will be participating in the season, with more details to be revealed soon. Belakh brings his championship pedigree from LFA to the TUF competition.
Artem Belakh, the reigning LFA bantamweight champion, has been confirmed as a cast member on the upcoming season of The Ultimate Fighter, the organization announced ahead of the April 15, 2026 reveal.
Belakh enters the TUF house carrying an 11-2 professional record and the credibility of LFA gold, one of North American MMA's most respected developmental titles. The bantamweight contender will be competing in the 135-pound bracket alongside what the announcement describes as a strong contingent of international fighters, with several additional competitors from the CIS region also set to participate in the season. Further details on the full cast are expected to be released in the coming weeks.
Why it matters
- Belakh's LFA championship pedigree makes him one of the more decorated prospects entering the house, raising the competitive ceiling of the bantamweight bracket.
- The inclusion of multiple CIS-region fighters signals a continued push by the UFC to source global talent through TUF, broadening the show's international scope.
- A strong performance could fast-track Belakh to a UFC roster spot and immediate divisional relevance at 135 pounds, a weight class that remains fiercely competitive inside the organization.
