UFC revealed the complete roster for the new season of The Ultimate Fighter featuring men's bantamweight and women's flyweight divisions. The bantamweight roster includes fighters from Peru, Finland, Kazakhstan/Russia, USA, Cuba, Great Britain, Dominican Republic, Kyrgyzstan, and Azerbaijan, with notable names like Rodrigo Vera (21-1-1), Abdul Hussein (15-2), and Artem Belakh (11-2). The women's flyweight division features competitors from various countries including Natalia Alves (8-0), Melissa Amaya (8-0), and Valeska Machado (15-4). The season will showcase international talent with fighters from across the globe competing for UFC contracts.
The UFC has officially unveiled the full competitor roster for the upcoming season of The Ultimate Fighter, featuring men's bantamweight and women's flyweight divisions stocked with international talent from across the globe.
The bantamweight field draws fighters from Peru, Finland, Kazakhstan, Russia, the United States, Cuba, Great Britain, the Dominican Republic, Kyrgyzstan, and Azerbaijan. Among the headlining names are Rodrigo Vera, who enters with an impressive 21-1-1 record, Abdul Hussein at 15-2, and Artem Belakh carrying an 11-2 mark. The division promises a deep and diverse pool of competitors all chasing a UFC contract.
The women's flyweight roster is equally compelling. Natalia Alves and Melissa Amaya both arrive undefeated at 8-0, making them immediate names to watch as the season unfolds. Veteran Valeska Machado, whose record stands at 15-4, brings the most professional experience of the headlining names on that side of the bracket.
One confirmed American entry on the bantamweight side is Xavier Franklin, known as "Mr. Benjamin." The 29-year-old southpaw out of George's MMA and Boxing Gym stands five-foot-six with a 66-inch reach and holds a 5-1 record heading into the competition. Franklin averages 3.07 significant strikes landed per minute, giving him legitimate offensive output on the feet.
Why it matters
- Two undefeated flyweights in Alves and Amaya set up potential collision courses as the bracket advances
- The bantamweight division's global representation — spanning nine countries — reflects the UFC's growing international scouting reach
- Veterans like Vera (21-1-1) and Machado (15-4) bring professional depth that could test younger, less experienced competitors on both sides
