What risks does the first Kazakh participant face in the American reality show about UFC?

Kazakh MMA fighter Alibi Idris shared his thoughts on his upcoming participation in the new season of the UFC reality show The Ultimate Fighter, as reported by Caravan.kz.

Since the inception of The Ultimate Fighter in 2005, no fighters from Kazakhstan have participated in the project. In 2025, Alibi Idris will make his debut on the show. Previously, he trained alongside Zhalgas Zhumagulov and Sergey Morozov, who later competed in the UFC. Alibi also has the potential to become a UFC fighter if he wins The Ultimate Fighter reality show.

According to the project's conditions, the participants—MMA fighters—live at a single base, train in teams under the guidance of renowned fighters, and compete in elimination matches. This time, the mentors include former UFC light heavyweight and heavyweight champion Daniel Cormier, as well as former title contender in the middleweight and light heavyweight divisions Chael Sonnen. Participants are not allowed to bring their own coaches, which, according to Alibi, presents the greatest challenge.

“It will be difficult without a coach, seconds, and my brothers; that always gives me motivation. I hope that at this moment, we can support each other with Daniil Donchenko (another participant from Ukraine in the new season—Ed.),” Alibi Idris said during the “One on One” program on NAIZA.tv.

The Kazakh fighter stated that he will be in the USA for a medical examination on February 1. He is focused on achieving success in the project.

“Of course, I’m taking a risk; I need to fight twice, and I need to reach the final. If I win there, I will get a UFC contract for six fights. I think that in terms of media exposure, it won’t be difficult for me; I have charisma, I know how to behave, and what to say,” Alibi Idris declared.

As for his athletic level, Alibi is confident in his abilities, although he acknowledges that he still needs to improve his skills to reach the level of UFC fighters.

“Zhalgas (Zhumagulov, a former UFC fighter—Ed.) and I always smile before training, drink coffee, and I tell him that he’s getting old, that soon I’ll take my place, but Jako is better than me in every aspect—physique, wrestling,” Alibi Idris concluded.