Xavier Franklin has disclosed that he was not originally scheduled to appear on The Ultimate Fighter 34, coached by Michael Bisping. Franklin's late inclusion adds an intriguing backstory to his run on the show.
Xavier Franklin has revealed that he was not originally part of the TUF 34 roster, disclosing that his spot on the Michael Bisping-coached season of The Ultimate Fighter came about as a late addition rather than through the standard selection process.
Franklin, who fights out of George's MMA and Boxing Gym, carries a 5-1-0 professional record and competes as a southpaw at 29 years old. Standing five-foot-six with a 66-inch reach, the American lands 3.07 significant strikes per minute and brings a striking-focused style with no recorded takedown attempts in his career statistics.
Bisping, the 47-year-old English veteran nicknamed "The Count," needs little introduction as a coaching presence. The former champion holds a 30-9-0 professional record and built his career on active, pressure-based striking, averaging 4.33 significant strikes per minute with a 38 percent accuracy rate across his fights. He trained out of HB Ultimate during his career and remains one of the most recognizable figures the sport has produced.
Why it matters
- Franklin's unplanned inclusion gives his TUF 34 run an underdog narrative that sets him apart from teammates who were originally selected
- Bisping's coaching role connects a high-profile name to the season and raises its visibility
- Franklin's all-striking, no-takedown profile makes him a stylistically distinct competitor whose late arrival will be scrutinized as the season unfolds
