Since its first installment in 2005, the Ultimate Fighter has become one of the UFC's most effective and entertaining platforms to scout and sign the best fighters outside the promotion. This gave aspiring young fighters an avenue to showcase their skills and test if they could compete on the biggest MMA stage in the world.
The winner of this series, who defied the MMA odds, is granted a six-figure contract and a roster spot in the UFC. Several of the alumni of this show have not only earned their place in the promotion but also captured a UFC title and became a regular name in the UFC betting odds.
We listed down the top five The Ultimate Fighter winners who eventually became UFC champions.
Kamaru Usman
Reigning UFC Welterweight Champion Kamaru Usman is one of the testaments that The Ultimate Fighter could become a UFC champion. Usman was the season 21 winner when he pulled off an arm-triangle choke submission over Hayder Hassan in the finale. Since then, he strung eight consecutive wins to earn his title shot against Tyron Woodley.