Osmanli Books UFC Debut After TUF 34 DQ Loss

Mehemmedali Osmanli has secured his UFC debut despite losing the TUF 34 bantamweight final by disqualification.

Per MMA Junkie's Nolan King, Osmanli will face Pavel Andrusca in a 135-pound clash at UFC Saudi Arabia on Dec. 5 in Riyadh. The Azerbaijan native was stopped in September after landing an illegal knee to Ilimbek Akylbek Uulu's head while the Kyrgyzstan fighter was grounded. That finish drew criticism after Uulu appeared to be defending himself before going limp once the referee stepped in.

Osmanli's Path to UFC Contract

Osmanli entered the TUF finale on a nine-fight win streak and holds 11 wins against two defeats. Nine of those victories came by stoppage. The controversial disqualification evidently did not cost him his shot at the Octagon.

Andrusca made his UFC debut in September on short notice, moving up to featherweight to beat Nathaniel Wood by decision. The undefeated Moldovan fighter will return to bantamweight for his second promotional appearance. Seven of his nine career wins have come by finish.

UFC Saudi Arabia takes place Dec. 5 in Riyadh.

Reported via:

• Sherdog — Mehemmedali Osmanli reportedly books UFC debut despite ‘TUF 34’ loss