The full roster for the upcoming season of The Ultimate Fighter was announced, featuring two divisions. The men's bantamweight division includes ten fighters from various countries, with notable names including Artem Belakh representing Kazakhstan and Russia, Rodrigo Vera from Peru, Abdul Hussein from Finland, and Ilimbek Akylbek uulu from Kyrgyzstan. The women's strawweight division also features ten competitors including Natalia Alves, Melissa Amaya, and Valesca Machado. The roster represents a diverse international field with fighters from across multiple continents and combat sports backgrounds. Several fighters bring undefeated records to the competition.
The UFC has unveiled the full competitor lineup for the upcoming season of The Ultimate Fighter, featuring two divisions and a diverse international cast of fighters vying for a professional contract.
The men's bantamweight bracket is headlined by ten competitors drawn from across the globe. Artem Belakh, representing Kazakhstan and Russia, is among the notable entrants, joined by Rodrigo Vera from Peru, Abdul Hussein from Finland, and Ilimbek Akylbek uulu from Kyrgyzstan. Several fighters in the bracket arrive with unblemished professional records, setting up what promises to be a competitive field in the 135-pound division.
The women's strawweight bracket rounds out the season with ten fighters of its own. Natalia Alves and Melissa Amaya are among those competing, alongside Brazilian veteran Valesca Machado, who competes under the nickname "Tina Black." Machado, 30, carries an 8-3-0 professional record into the house. The orthodox striker stands five-foot-four with a 63-inch reach and lands 2.4 significant strikes per minute.
Also confirmed for the men's side is Xavier Franklin, known as "Mr. Benjamin," a 29-year-old southpaw out of the United States representing George's MMA and Boxing Gym. Franklin holds a 5-1-0 record and posts 3.07 significant strikes per minute, though his striking accuracy sits at 33 percent.
Why it matters
- The bantamweight and strawweight divisions are both active and competitive in the UFC, meaning strong TUF performances could accelerate a fighter's path to the main roster.
- The roster's international makeup — spanning South America, Central Asia, Europe, and beyond — reflects the UFC's continued push to broaden its global scouting footprint.
- Several undefeated fighters entering the competition add an element of unknown quantity that could produce surprise results throughout the season.
