The Ultimate Fighter 34 Episode 11: Tina Black wins semifinal

Tina Black defeated Delphine Benouaich by unanimous decision in Episode 11 of The Ultimate Fighter 34. Black weighed 115.5 pounds and Benouaich 116 for their women’s strawweight semifinal.

The pair were teammates on Daniel Cormier’s side of the competition, making the result especially difficult for their coach. Black entered the bout with a reputation as a potential future UFC champion, while both fighters described the contest as a demanding meeting between strikers. Cormier praised them before the fight and said coaching them had been an honour.

Benouaich made the stronger early impact by putting Black down midway through the opening round and taking her back. Black stood while carrying her opponent, then used the fence to reduce the pressure as Benouaich landed punches. The French fighter briefly looked for a choke, but could not secure it, and Black escaped before the round ended.

Black found more success with her right hand and low kicks in the second round. Benouaich continued to attack with punches and kicks, but Black’s pressure increased as the round progressed. She used the clinch to control her teammate against the fence, searched for a takedown and kept the initiative despite not completing it.

The third round remained active despite brief stoppages for a low blow to Black and an eye poke suffered by Benouaich. Black repeatedly landed heavy right hands and later controlled a clinch exchange, trapping a leg and driving knees into her opponent. Benouaich kept pressing, but the Brazilian’s counters and physical strength carried her through the final exchanges.

There was no need for a fourth round as the judges awarded Black the unanimous decision. The bout was described as one of the strongest of the season so far, with both fighters showing the level expected of UFC contenders. Benouaich was devastated by the defeat, questioning her own ability, while Cormier urged her to focus on the lessons from the fight and prepare for another opportunity.

Team Bisping did not compete in the semifinal, allowing Michael Bisping to take his fighters to a steakhouse. The outing was intended to give them an evening away from the show’s pressure, while Black and Benouaich dealt with the final stage of their shared Team Cormier journey.