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The UFC's flagship reality show 'The Ultimate Fighter' was launched with the objective of providing a platform for promising MMA prospects. Since its inception, TUF has proved to be a hotbed of up-and-coming talent. So far, 11 alumni of the show have gone on to become UFC champions.
11 TUF contestants who became UFC champions
UFC welterweight Matt Serra was the first of the many TUF contestants to become titleholders. In the fourth season, dubbed 'The Comeback', Serra was given the title shot against Georges St-Pierre at UFC 69.
Pundits had predicted GSP would win the bout. However, 'The Terror' pulled off one of the biggest upsets in MMA history by securing a TKO victory over the welterweight king in the first frame.
Matt Serra's sensational championship victory kicked the doors open for TUF contestants who aspired to attain UFC gold. In 2008, at UFC 86, TUF season 1 winner Forrest Griffin fought tooth and nail to secure the undisputed championship against 'Rampage' Jackson. However, Griffin's title reign ended five months later when another TUF graduate, Rashad Evans, defeated Griffin via TKO at UFC 92.
In 2014, bantamweight royalty TJ Dillashaw (TUF 14) claimed the title shot against Renan Barao at UFC 173. Dillashaw displayed his superior kickboxing acumen and finished the Brazilian in round five.
Seven months later, Carla Esparza became the first UFC strawweight queen when she defeated Rose Namajunas in the finale of TUF 20. Esparza submitted 'Thug Rose' with a rear-naked choke in round three.
In June 2016, Michael Bisping (TUF 3 winner) defeated Luke Rockhold to become the undisputed champion at 37 years old. Bisping became the first Englishman to secure a UFC title, with his reign lasting for just over a year.
Australian MMA starlet Robert Whittaker (TUF: The Smashes) shocked the world by going the distance against Yoel Romero in their interim title clash at UFC 213. 'The Reaper' secured a decision victory over 'The Soldier of God' to claim the interim throne in 2017.
TUF season 13 winner Tony Ferguson became interim lightweight champion in 2017. 'El Cucuy' submitted promising contender Kevin Lee at UFC 216 via a triangle choke to secure the 155lbs interim gold.
Rose Namajunas (TUF 20) was presented with a title shot against Joanna Jedrzejczyk at UFC 217. 'Thug Rose' claimed the undisputed title with a staggering knockout of Jedrzejczyk in the first round.
UFC flyweight Nicco Montano became the promotion's inaugural women's flyweight champion in the TUF 26 finale when she defeated Roxanne Modafferi via a unanimous decision.
TUF 21 winner Kamaru Usman lined up an impressive undefeated UFC streak to claim the title against Tyron Woodley at UFC 235. Delivering a dominant performance, Usman attained undisputed welterweight gold via a unanimous decision.
