TUF 34 Episode 1 Recap: Daniel Cormier and Michael Bisping Build Their Teams

The Ultimate Fighter 34 | Episode 1 | June 14, 2026 The Ultimate Fighter is officially back. Season 34 premiered on Paramount+ and immediately introduced fans to the newest group of bantamweight and women's strawweight hopefuls chasing UFC contracts. Standing at the center of it all are two UFC legends: former two-division champion Daniel Cormier and former middleweight champion Michael Bisping. The season opened with the traditional fighter evaluation process before the coaches selected their teams, setting the stage for what could become one of the deepest TUF seasons in recent memory. The Coaches Return Daniel Cormier and Michael Bisping know exactly what it takes to reach the top of the sport. Cormier built a Hall of Fame career through elite wrestling, relentless pressure, and championship-level discipline. Bisping became one of the UFC's most unlikely champions by overcoming adversity and consistently proving doubters wrong. Their personalities couldn't be more different, which immediately created an entertaining dynamic as the season began. For the fighters entering the house, the opportunity to learn from either coach is invaluable. Team Selection Begins After winning the coin toss, Michael Bisping earned the first overall selection. Bisping used that pick on Xavier Franklin, signaling his confidence in the talented bantamweight prospect. Daniel Cormier wasted no time responding. With his first selection, Cormier chose Artem Belakh, the reigning LFA Bantamweight Champion and one of the most accomplished fighters entering the competition. The selection immediately raised eyebrows throughout the house. Belakh enters TUF with championship experience, an 11-2 professional record, and training experience at the world-renowned Tiger Muay Thai gym in Thailand. Many observers already view him as one of the favorites to win the season. Artem Belakh: The Early Favorite? Being selected first by Daniel Cormier is not something that happens by accident. Cormier has spent years evaluating talent as a fighter, coach, analyst, and commentator. His decision to make Belakh his first pick speaks volumes about how highly he views the Russian prospect. Belakh's résumé already includes: - LFA Bantamweight Championship - Professional record of 11-2 - Extensive international training experience - Proven ability to perform in championship fights - Multiple stoppage victories If Episode 1 revealed anything, it's that Team Cormier views Belakh as a future UFC-caliber athlete. The Road to a UFC Contract This season's cast features a mix of experienced veterans, regional champions, and undefeated prospects. For many competitors, this represents the biggest opportunity of their careers. One great performance can change everything. One bad night can send a fighter home. That pressure is what has always made The Ultimate Fighter such compelling television. Early Storylines to Watch Can Artem Belakh Live Up to the Hype? Being Daniel Cormier's first pick immediately places a target on Belakh's back. Every fighter in the house now knows who many believe is the man to beat. Was Xavier Franklin the Right First Overall Pick? Bisping's confidence in Franklin was obvious from the start. Now Franklin must prove he deserves the honor of being selected first overall. Which Team Drafted Better? Episode 1 provided fans with plenty to debate. Did Team Cormier assemble the stronger roster? Or did Team Bisping quietly put together the better group of prospects? Only time will tell. Fight Plan Breakdown The biggest lesson from Episode 1 is simple: Talent gets you noticed. Preparation keeps you around. Every fighter in the house has skill. What separates future UFC fighters from everyone else is the ability to perform under pressure, adapt quickly, and improve throughout the competition. The fighters who handle the mental side of the experience will often outperform athletes with superior physical tools. What's Next? With the teams officially formed, the competition now begins in earnest. The first eliminations are coming, rivalries will start to develop, and the race toward a UFC contract is underway. For now, Artem Belakh stands as one of the most intriguing names to watch after becoming Daniel Cormier's first selection. Whether that confidence proves justified will be one of the biggest stories of TUF 34. The journey has officially begun.