This is the bantamweight 135 ultimate fighter finale. Serious question, who actually watches the ultimate fighter? Like really watches it. All the episodes, all the fights, cares about when its on, all of that. I used to be locked in and really cared when the coaches fought each other at the end and the show build to something. But i haven’t cared in probably 15 years, so genuinely curious if thats everyone’s vibe or just mine.

I suspect the general fan base doesn;t care which is why these two TUF finale fights are in the apex on UFC Vegas 121 and not on a numbered event prelim like they have done with the previous seasons.

I went into the tape study blind, meaning i just watched all the fights and none of the drama in the ultimate fighter house and honestly i was a bit surprised to see what a huge favorite both on the books and with the fans that Mehemmadeli is. Maybe it is my wrestler bias, but there is absolute a clear path for Illembek. The problem is Illembeck is a bit chinny and Mehemmedeli not only has decent takedown defense, but he’s the much better striker and has nasty submissions. I have to pick the more well rounded guy here, but Ilimbek is a great dog.

Ilimbek Akylbek

Ilimbek Akylbek Uulu is an impossible name to say, but an easy guy to break down. He looks like Motobek Oralbai and he fights like him. Decent striking, non-stop wrestling. He has aggressive takedowns and fantastic scrambles. On top he will strike and stay busy while maintaing position. He can get a bit reckless but thats only when he’s chasing finishes.

Mehemmedeli Osmanli

Mehemmedeli Osmanli is a very well rounded guy with a big mouth and the skills to back it up. He is an aggressive striker who will spin and showboat before shooting takedowns or snatching things up. He is good everywhere and can find finishes in any scramble. He’s tall and long and uses that length well to keep you at the end of his strikes.