5 Fighters Most Likely to Earn UFC Contracts on TUF 34

The Ultimate Fighter 34 | Early Season Predictions Winning The Ultimate Fighter isn't the only way to earn a UFC contract. Every season produces fighters who lose in the tournament but still impress the UFC enough to get a call. After three episodes of TUF 34, several competitors have already separated themselves from the pack. Whether through dominant performances, championship experience, or sheer potential, these five fighters currently look like the strongest bets to eventually earn UFC contracts. #1 Artem Belakh If there was a betting favorite when the season began, it was Artem Belakh. The reigning LFA Bantamweight Champion entered the competition with the most proven résumé in the bantamweight bracket. He's already won championship fights. He's trained alongside elite fighters at Tiger Muay Thai. And Daniel Cormier made him his first bantamweight selection. Even if Belakh somehow falls short of winning the tournament, it's difficult to imagine UFC matchmakers ignoring a fighter with his experience, skill set, and track record. Why He Gets Signed - LFA Champion - International experience - Proven against quality competition - UFC-ready skill set --- #2 Gigi Canuto No fighter's stock has risen faster than Gigi Canuto's. Her first-round destruction of Anita Karim wasn't just a win. It was the type of performance UFC executives remember. Canuto showed composure, fight IQ, finishing ability, and a willingness to hunt for the stoppage. Those qualities matter. The UFC loves fighters who can finish. Why She Gets Signed - Elite grappling background - Exciting style - First-round finisher - Strong personality and presence --- #3 Christian Strong Christian Strong may not have delivered the flashiest performance of the season, but he delivered one of the most dominant. His wrestling-heavy victory over Marlon Jones showed exactly why wrestling remains one of the most effective tools in mixed martial arts. The UFC always values athletes who can control fights. Strong can do that. Why He Gets Signed - Strong wrestling foundation - Excellent conditioning - Tough life story - Consistent approach --- #4 Xavier Franklin Michael Bisping used the first overall pick on Xavier Franklin for a reason. The physical tools are obvious. The athleticism is obvious. Now fans are waiting to see him perform. Even before stepping into the cage on TUF, Franklin entered the season carrying significant expectations. Why He Gets Signed - High athletic ceiling - Bisping's top overall selection - Explosive potential - Marketable style --- #5 Mehemmedeli Osmanli Osmanli may have the biggest opportunity of anyone remaining. His upcoming showdown with Artem Belakh could completely change the season. A victory over the current favorite would instantly launch him into UFC-contract territory. Sometimes all it takes is one breakout performance. Osmanli has that opportunity directly in front of him. Why He Gets Signed - Strong professional record - Dangerous all-around game - Opportunity for a statement win - Significant upside --- Just Missed the Cut Melissa Amaya The first winner of TUF 34 deserves recognition. A strong second performance could easily push her into the top five. Rodrigo Vera One of the most experienced fighters in the house. A successful debut would immediately move him into the conversation. Abdul Hussein Still one of the biggest unknowns in the competition. Potential alone keeps him on the radar. --- Fight Plan Breakdown The biggest mistake fans make every season is assuming only tournament winners get signed. That's not how the UFC works. The UFC signs fighters who: - Win - Finish fights - Entertain fans - Show potential A spectacular loss can sometimes do more for a fighter's future than a boring win. That's why these rankings focus on UFC potential, not just tournament success. --- What's Next? With Artem Belakh and Mehemmedeli Osmanli expected to collide in Episode 4, these rankings could change dramatically. One fighter may solidify himself as the clear favorite. The other may become one of the season's biggest surprises. Three episodes down. The race for a UFC contract is officially underway.