TUF 34 Power Rankings After Episode 2

The Ultimate Fighter 34 | Team Cormier vs. Team Bisping Two episodes into The Ultimate Fighter 34, the picture is starting to come into focus. While several highly touted prospects have yet to make their tournament debuts, early performances and draft selections are already shaping expectations for who could emerge as the season's biggest stars. Daniel Cormier's team has jumped out to a 2-0 lead, Christian Strong has skyrocketed up the rankings, and several of the season's most anticipated fighters are still waiting for their opportunity to compete. With that in mind, here are Fight Plan Pro's first official TUF 34 Power Rankings. --- #1 Artem Belakh (Team Cormier) Previous Ranking: #1 Artem Belakh remains the fighter everyone is chasing. The reigning LFA Bantamweight Champion entered the season as one of the most accomplished fighters in the house and was immediately selected by Daniel Cormier with his first draft pick. Belakh hasn't fought yet, but his championship experience, professional résumé, and international training background keep him firmly at the top. Until someone proves otherwise, he's still the favorite. Why He's Ranked Here - LFA Bantamweight Champion - 11-2 professional record - Daniel Cormier's first selection - Extensive experience in high-pressure fights --- #2 Christian Strong (Team Cormier) Previous Ranking: #6 No fighter gained more momentum in Episode 2. Strong dominated previously undefeated Marlon Jones from start to finish, using relentless wrestling and positional control to earn a unanimous decision victory. The performance wasn't flashy. It was effective. Strong showed elite discipline, excellent fight IQ, and the ability to execute a game plan under pressure. Those qualities make him a legitimate threat to win the tournament. Stock Status 📈 Rising Fast --- #3 Rodrigo Vera (Team Cormier) Previous Ranking: #2 A professional record of 21-1-1 demands respect. Vera remains one of the most experienced fighters in the competition and possesses the kind of résumé that often translates well to tournament formats. While we haven't seen him compete yet, his credentials continue to justify a spot near the top of the rankings. Why He's Dangerous - Extensive professional experience - Proven ability to win consistently - One of the strongest records in the tournament --- #4 Xavier Franklin (Team Bisping) Previous Ranking: #3 Being Michael Bisping's first overall pick comes with expectations. Franklin remains one of the most intriguing athletes in the competition, but until he fights, it's difficult to justify ranking him above proven performers like Belakh or Strong. The talent is obvious. Now fans are waiting to see it inside the cage. Biggest Question Can he live up to the pressure of being the No. 1 overall selection? --- #5 Abdul Hussein (Team Cormier) Previous Ranking: #4 Hussein remains one of the most dangerous fighters yet to compete. With a strong professional record and a reputation as a tough, experienced competitor, he's firmly positioned to make a significant jump once he enters the tournament. For now, he holds steady. --- #6 Mehemmedeli Osmanli (Team Cormier) Previous Ranking: #5 Osmanli continues to fly under the radar. That's exactly why he's dangerous. A 12-1 professional record suggests he has the skills to make a deep run, and he could become one of the season's biggest surprises once fans get a chance to see him compete. --- #7 Melissa Amaya (Team Cormier) Previous Ranking: Unranked Winning matters. Amaya became the first fighter to advance in TUF 34 and helped establish Team Cormier's early momentum. Until someone else earns a victory, she deserves recognition. Accomplishment ✅ First winner of TUF 34 --- #8 Gigi Canuto (Team Bisping) Previous Ranking: Unranked With her matchup against Anita Karim approaching, Canuto sits on the verge of making a major move up the rankings. She's one of the most anticipated strawweights remaining in the competition and could become Team Bisping's first breakthrough performer. --- Stock Up 📈 Christian Strong The biggest winner of Episode 2. Team Cormier A perfect 2-0 start has created significant momentum. Wrestling-Based Game Plans Strong reminded everyone why wrestling remains one of MMA's most effective foundations. --- Stock Down 📉 Marlon Jones Still a talented prospect, but the loss slows his momentum significantly. Team Bisping An 0-2 start wasn't how anyone envisioned the season beginning. The pressure is mounting. --- Team Standings Team Cormier 2-0 - Melissa Amaya ✅ - Christian Strong ✅ Team Bisping 0-2 Still searching for their first victory. --- Fight Plan Breakdown Two episodes into the season, Team Cormier has established itself as the team to beat. The combination of experienced competitors, disciplined game plans, and early success has created momentum that could become difficult to stop. At the same time, many of the season's biggest names haven't fought yet. One dominant performance could completely reshape these rankings. That's what makes TUF special. Everything can change in a single fight. --- What's Next? Episode 3 shifts attention to the women's strawweight bracket as Gigi Canuto prepares to face Anita Karim. For Team Bisping, it's an opportunity to finally get on the scoreboard. For Team Cormier, it's a chance to extend an already impressive lead. One thing is certain: The race for a UFC contract is officially heating up.