When The Ultimate Fighter 33 hits airwaves later this year, it will be Daniel Cormier and Chael Sonnen appearing as coaches. A bit out of left field, but maybe not entirely, given the pair share the screen on ESPN already. Beyond the coaches, this season of TUF will include both flyweight and welterweight fighters.
The 170lb weight class has always been deep, but the UFC is constantly in need of fresh bodies. Here’s a look at who will be competing 20 years on from the debut of The Ultimate Fighter.
Jeff Creighton
USA
29-years-old
11-2-1
54% finish rate (1 KO/TKO, 5 Submissions)
A1 Combat welterweight champion
Combined opponents’ record: 68-50
Pros
-Good use of elbows
-Good knees
-Gets better as the fight goes
-Tough as nails/durable
Cons
-Low volume
-Advances in straight lines
-Slow
-Reaches on his punches
-Terrible TDD
-Struggles against the cage
Creighton may not be the most exciting fighter but has been on a roll winning regional titles and beating some good regional guys. He’s winning but I wouldn’t say he’s doing it in a convincing way. He’s been winning off close decision wins by doing more damage. Creighton started off as a finish but has won five straight decisions.
Creighton’s style is anything but refined, yet he’s made it work. What he lacks in technical skill, he compensates for with sheer durability and endurance, often outlasting his opponents. His toughness is essential to his approach—winning fights through relentless pressure rather than precision.
He fights at a low volume, often overextending on his punches, with every movement looking labored. He thrives in close-quarters combat, aiming to turn fights into gritty phone booth brawls. However, even when closing the distance, he leaves himself wide open for counters. His best moments come in the clinch, where he delivers slicing elbows and solid knees, but his lack of control often sees him pressed against the cage. Much of his success comes from landing damage while defending takedowns, but his takedown defense itself remains a glaring weakness—he’s been far too easy to drag to the mat.
Creighton has survived largely because he refuses to break, while many of his opponents have folded under his pressure. Despite his many flaws, he’s a dangerous challenge, particularly for fighters who struggle with their gas tank. However, the TUF format doesn’t suit him. He can’t afford to play possum in a potential two-round fight, and if he pushes the pace, his defensive vulnerabilities could cost him.
“The emotions are grateful. I realize how big of an opportunity this is, this is a life changing opportunity. And I plan on capitalizing on that,” Creighton said during his introduction to the media recently. And while it will hard to be away from his love ones as the show films, “they’re my ‘why.’ And I’m here, and they’re counting on me. So I’m going to win the whole entire thing.”
