Osmanli Records First Buggy Choke In TUF History

Mehemmedeli Osmanli submitted Christian Strong with the first buggy choke in Ultimate Fighter history Tuesday night, booking his spot in the TUF 34 finale at UFC Vegas 121.

The Azerbaijani bantamweight forced Strong unconscious in the second round after his corner told him to abandon the hold, MMA Mania reports. Strong controlled most of the opening frame with wrestling before Osmanli rallied late, bloodying the American with clean punches in the final minute.

Osmanli Refused To Release The Choke

Strong secured another takedown early in round two and settled into half guard, where Osmanli locked up the buggy choke from bottom position. Coach Michael Bisping instructed him to let it go when the submission appeared loose, but Osmanli kept squeezing until Strong went to sleep. The finish marked the first successful buggy choke in TUF history and the first attempted inside the Octagon under UFC rules.

Osmanli will face fellow Team Bisping fighter Ilimbek Akylbek Uulu in the bantamweight final after the two got into an altercation during a training session earlier in the season. In the women's strawweight finale, Valesca Machado meets undefeated prospect Melissa Amaya, who stopped both Anna Melisano and GiGi Canuto to reach the final.

The TUF 34 finale takes place Sept. 26 at Meta Apex in Las Vegas, headlined by Raul Rosas Jr. against Raoni Barcelos. Two trophies and two UFC contracts are on the line.

Reported via:

• MMA Mania — Highlights! TUF 34 Finale set after record-setting, must-see buggy choke finish