Xavier Franklin secured the final bantamweight semifinal spot on The Ultimate Fighter 34 with a TKO victory. Franklin's win completes the semifinal bracket in the bantamweight division of the season.
Xavier Franklin punched his ticket to the bantamweight semifinals of The Ultimate Fighter 34 on July 29, 2026, stopping his opponent via TKO to claim the final spot in the division's four-man bracket.
Franklin, who competes under the nickname "Mr. Benjamin," entered the house representing George's MMA & Boxing Gym and carrying a 5-1-0 professional record. The 29-year-old southpaw from the United States stands five-foot-six with a 66-inch reach, competing in the 135-pound bantamweight division. He lands 3.07 significant strikes per minute, and the TKO finish is consistent with a fighter who relies on volume and pressure to break down his opposition.
The victory sealed the bantamweight semifinal bracket for TUF 34, meaning all four competitors are now set and the season is moving into its final competitive stages.
Why it matters
- Franklin's finish locks in the complete bantamweight semifinal picture for TUF 34
- As a southpaw striker, his style presents a distinct challenge for whichever opponent he draws in the next round
- A run to the TUF 34 final would push his record to 7-1-0 and likely earn him a UFC contract, the prize at stake for every fighter in the house
