Who Are the Best UFC Fighters to Come Out of The Ultimate Fighter?

Enough waffling from me. I’m going to delve into my top five best UFC fighters to come from The Ultimate Fighter. Again, this is purely my opinion, and I’m always open to discussions. 

5. Nate Diaz (The Ultimate Fighter Season 5 Winner: Lightweight)

It’s crazy to think that Nate Diaz never once held UFC gold. But when it comes to star power, few TUF graduates can match him. After winning TUF 5 in 2007, Diaz built a cult following thanks to his unfiltered attitude, jiu-jitsu mastery, and willingness to fight anyone.

His shocking 2016 submission win over Conor McGregor made him a household name and part of one of the UFC’s most lucrative rivalries. Diaz was far from the most polished or technical fighters, but his warrior spirit meant even if his face was full of blood, his cardio and the fans would push him forward and he’d suffocate his opponents with heavy pressure and an occasional Stockton slap.

4. Rashad Evans (The Ultimate Fighter Season 2 Winner: Heavyweight)

Rashad Evans certainly stirred the pot in his time on the TUF, and this followed him into the UFC. He had an attitude that some would perceive as arrogant whilst others would label it as confident. Nevertheless, the future UFC light-heavyweight champion carried knockout power to go with his peekaboo boxing style, and he was an accomplished wrestler.

Throughout his career, Evans fought several legends such as: Chuck Liddell, Jon Jones, Rampage Jackson, and Lyoto Machida. 

3. Michael Bisping (The Ultimate Fighter Season 3 Winner: Light-heavyweight)

Michael Bisping is a legend of European and British MMA after becoming the first-ever champion from the British Isles. Even from his days on the TUF, fans knew the Manchester man had something about him.

“The Count” was often viewed as some sort of gatekeeper figure in the middleweight division after being a top contender for almost a decade without achieving UFC gold. Bisping eventually triumphed in 2016 after knocking out Luke Rockhold on short notice to win the middleweight title.

2. Forrest Griffin (The Ultimate Fighter Season 1 Winner: Light-heavyweight)

Forrest Griffin deserves a spot on this list because of how much he (and Stephan Bonnar) helped the UFC. Griffin and Bonnar put on a tremendous show of heart in TUF Season 1 light-heavyweight finale, and although Griffin was mainly known for this defining moment, he did in fact win the UFC light-heavyweight title after defeating Rampage Jackson in 2008.

1. Kamaru Usman (The Ultimate Fighter Season 21 Winner: Welterweight)

When it comes to sheer dominance and resume, Kamaru Usman is arguably the best fighter to ever come out of TUF. “The Nigerian Nightmare” won The Ultimate Fighter in 2015, then went on a 15-fight win streak in the UFC, the longest ever at welterweight.

After defeating Tyron Woodley to win the 170-pounds title in 2019, He defended the belt five times against elite names like Colby Covington, Jorge Masvidal, and Gilbert Burns. For six years, he was undefeated and was considered the pound-for-pound king by many fans and pundits.