TUF 34 Power Rankings After Episode 3

The Ultimate Fighter 34 | Team Cormier vs. Team Bisping Three episodes into TUF 34, the field is beginning to separate itself. Daniel Cormier's team still owns the overall lead, but Episode 3 gave Team Bisping exactly what it needed: momentum. Gigi Canuto's dominant first-round finish over Anita Karim not only earned Team Bisping its first victory of the season, it also shook up the rankings. With several favorites still waiting to make their tournament debuts, here's where things stand after Episode 3. --- #1 Artem Belakh (Team Cormier) Previous Ranking: #1 Nothing changes at the top. The reigning LFA Bantamweight Champion remains the most accomplished fighter in the house and the man everyone is chasing. Daniel Cormier made Belakh his first bantamweight selection for a reason. Now comes his biggest challenge yet. Episode 4 will see Belakh face fellow Team Cormier standout Mehemmedeli Osmanli in what may be the most anticipated fight of the season. Stock Status ➡️ Holding Strong --- #2 Gigi Canuto (Team Bisping) Previous Ranking: #8 No fighter made a bigger jump this week. Canuto delivered the most impressive finish of the season so far, dismantling Anita Karim and putting Team Bisping on the board. The victory showed: - Fight IQ - Finishing instincts - Composure under pressure - Elite body attack strategy She instantly becomes one of the favorites to win the women's strawweight tournament. Stock Status 📈 Skyrocketing --- #3 Christian Strong (Team Cormier) Previous Ranking: #2 Strong remains one of the most dangerous competitors in the bantamweight bracket. His wrestling-heavy domination of Marlon Jones continues to age well, but Gigi's finish was simply too impressive to ignore. Strong remains firmly in championship contention. --- #4 Rodrigo Vera (Team Cormier) The veteran remains one of the strongest resumes in the house. Until he fights, his ranking remains based on experience and expectations. A strong debut could launch him into the top three immediately. --- #5 Xavier Franklin (Team Bisping) Michael Bisping's first overall selection still carries significant expectations. The talent is obvious. The question remains: Can he deliver when the spotlight arrives? --- #6 Mehemmedeli Osmanli (Team Cormier) His ranking may not stay here for long. Episode 4 gives Osmanli the biggest opportunity of anyone remaining in the competition. Beat Artem Belakh and he could jump into the top three overnight. --- #7 Abdul Hussein (Team Cormier) Still one of the most dangerous unknowns in the tournament. His ranking reflects potential more than results at this stage. --- #8 Melissa Amaya (Team Cormier) The first winner of TUF 34 continues to deserve recognition. She may not generate the same headlines as some of the other competitors, but she remains undefeated inside the tournament. --- Stock Up 📈 Gigi Canuto Biggest winner of Episode 3. Team Bisping Finally on the board. Body Attacks Canuto delivered a clinic on targeting weaknesses. --- Stock Down 📉 Anita Karim A difficult loss in a high-profile opportunity. Team Cormier's Perfect Record The undefeated start is over. --- Team Standings Team Cormier 2-1 - Melissa Amaya ✅ - Christian Strong ✅ - Anita Karim ❌ Team Bisping 1-2 - Marlon Jones ❌ - Gigi Canuto ✅ --- Fight Plan Breakdown The biggest lesson after three episodes is simple: Results matter. Reputations matter less. Several highly touted prospects have yet to fight, while competitors like Christian Strong and Gigi Canuto have already proven they can perform under tournament pressure. That's why power rankings change. Potential is exciting. Performance is everything. --- What's Next? Episode 4 features what could be the most important fight of the season so far: Artem Belakh vs. Mehemmedeli Osmanli Two Team Cormier teammates. Two bantamweight contenders. One spot in the next round. The winner may emerge as the new favorite to win the entire tournament. The loser goes home. And the rankings will never look the same again.