Melissa Amaya prepares for The Ultimate Fighter 34 debut this summer
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 14, 2026, 3:06 AM
Last updated Jun 14, 2026
MMAMelissa Amaya, a native of Chaparral, New Mexico, is set to compete in The Ultimate Fighter 34, which debuts this summer following a UFC event. Amaya, who holds an undefeated professional MMA record of 8-0, initially did not envision a fighting career. Her journey began with a kickboxing class at UNM and evolved into a full-time pursuit after overcoming personal struggles with depression. She currently trains at Sikjitsu MMA in Spokane, Washington, balancing her nursing career and fight training. The reality show will air its 12-episode season on Tuesdays after the premier episode.
- •Melissa Amaya enters The Ultimate Fighter 34 this summer.
- •She has an undefeated professional MMA record of 8-0.
- •Amaya trained at Sikjitsu MMA while working as a nurse.
- •She initially tried kickboxing at UNM, later embracing MMA.
- •The show airs weekly on Tuesdays after its debut episode.
- 3:06 AMYahoo Sports — Southern New Mexico native, UNM grad battle-tested heading into new season of The Ultimate Fighter
"The Ultimate Fighter 34 Episode 1: Sunday, following the UFC White House fight card (then Tuesday’s each week to follow), streamed on Paramount+ Fighting was never really on Melissa Amaya’s radar. Sure, she grew up in Chaparral, New Mexico, with three brothers and tried keeping up with them — never backing down athletically, adventurously or physically. But fighting? That wasn’t really her thing ...
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