The complete roster for the new season of The Ultimate Fighter has been announced. Ten male bantamweights will compete, including fighters from Peru, Finland, Kazakhstan, Russia, USA, Cuba, Great Britain, Dominican Republic, Kyrgyzstan, and Azerbaijan. Notable competitors include Rodrigo Vera (21-1-1), Abdul Hussein (15-2), and Artem Belakh (11-2). Ten female strawweights will also compete, featuring fighters with records ranging from undefeated prospects to experienced veterans. The roster represents global talent with competitors from diverse martial arts backgrounds.
The Ultimate Fighter is returning with one of its most internationally diverse rosters in the show's history, with the UFC officially announcing a 20-fighter lineup spanning 13 countries for the upcoming season.
Ten male bantamweights will fill one side of the house, drawing competitors from Peru, Finland, Kazakhstan, Russia, the United States, Cuba, Great Britain, the Dominican Republic, Kyrgyzstan, and Azerbaijan. Among the notable names on that side of the bracket are Rodrigo Vera, who enters with a 21-1-1 record, Abdul Hussein at 15-2, and Artem Belakh carrying an 11-2 mark. The division promises experienced hands who have compiled meaningful professional records before earning their shot at the TUF house.
Ten female strawweights round out the cast, with the summary noting the group ranges from undefeated prospects to seasoned veterans, reflecting the continued growth of women's mixed martial arts across the globe.
Also among the male bantamweights is Xavier Franklin, known as Mr. Benjamin, a 29-year-old southpaw representing the United States out of George's MMA and Boxing Gym. Franklin holds a 5-1-0 professional record and stands five-foot-six with a 66-inch reach. He averages 3.07 significant strikes landed per minute and carries a striking accuracy of 33 percent.
Why it matters
- The 13-country roster signals the UFC's continued push to identify global talent outside traditional MMA strongholds.
- Both bantamweight and strawweight divisions remain competitive and deep, meaning a TUF contract carries genuine ranking implications for the winners.
- The stylistic mix across fighters from wrestling-heavy regions, boxing-centric backgrounds, and submission-oriented programs sets up unpredictable matchups throughout the season.
