The complete lineup for the new season of The Ultimate Fighter has been announced, featuring two weight divisions. The men's bantamweight division includes ten fighters from various countries including Peru, Finland, Kazakhstan, Russia, USA, Cuba, Great Britain, Dominican Republic, Kyrgyzstan, and Azerbaijan. Notable names include Rodrigo Vera (21-1-1), Abdul Hussein (15-2), and Artem Belakh (11-2). The women's strawweight division also features ten fighters including Natalia Alves (8-0), Melissa Amaya (8-0), and several other undefeated or highly experienced competitors. The post indicates that multiple fighters from CIS countries will participate, with more details promised later.
The complete roster for the upcoming season of The Ultimate Fighter has been revealed, with the show set to feature two weight divisions: men's bantamweight and women's strawweight, each filled out with ten competitors from across the globe.
The men's bantamweight field draws from a wide range of countries, including Peru, Finland, Kazakhstan, Russia, the United States, Cuba, Great Britain, the Dominican Republic, Kyrgyzstan, and Azerbaijan. Among the notable names in that bracket are Rodrigo Vera, who enters with a record of 21-1-1, Abdul Hussein at 15-2, and Artem Belakh carrying an 11-2 mark. Several fighters hailing from CIS nations are expected to feature prominently, with more details on the full bracket set to follow.
The women's strawweight division brings its own compelling storylines, headlined by two undefeated prospects in Natalia Alves and Melissa Amaya, both of whom carry 8-0 records into the competition. The division rounds out with a mix of undefeated fighters and experienced veterans, making for a competitive field across the bracket.
One confirmed participant on the men's side is Xavier Franklin, known as Mr. Benjamin, a 29-year-old southpaw from the United States representing George's MMA and Boxing Gym. Franklin holds a professional record of 5-1-0 and stands at five-foot-six with a 66-inch reach. He lands 3.07 significant strikes per minute and fights out of the southpaw stance.
Why it matters
- The dual-division format raises the competitive stakes and gives the season added depth and variety.
- Undefeated strawweights Alves and Amaya headline a women's field that could produce a legitimate title contender.
- The heavy international representation, particularly from CIS nations, signals the UFC's continued push to develop global talent through the TUF platform.
- Bantamweight entrants like Vera and Hussein bring substantial professional records, elevating the expected level of competition beyond typical TUF seasons.
