Osmanli Disqualified Following Illegal Knee Strike

Referee Kerry Hatley ended the bout in Las Vegas after Mehemmedeli Osmanli struck a grounded opponent.

Updated on Sept. 27, 2026 in Mixed Martial Arts

Osmanli Disqualified Following Illegal Knee Strike

Mehemmedeli Osmanli was disqualified at UFC Vegas 121 after delivering an illegal knee strike to Ilimbek Akylbeck Uulu. The blow, which occurred while Akylbeck Uulu was on the ground, resulted in an injury that appeared to cause unconsciousness.

Why it matters

The disqualification abruptly ended a high-stakes match between two fighters on significant winning streaks. The incident raises questions about fight safety and compliance with rules regarding grounded opponents.

The match ended exactly 2:19 into the first round following the illegal maneuver. Prior to this bout, Mehemmedeli Osmanli held an active nine-fight win streak, while Ilimbek Akylbeck Uulu entered with three consecutive victories.

The players

Mehemmedeli Osmanli

Mehemmedeli Osmanli is a professional mixed martial artist who entered the event on a nine-fight win streak.

Ilimbek Akylbeck Uulu

Ilimbek Akylbeck Uulu is a professional mixed martial artist currently riding a three-fight winning streak.

Kerry Hatley

Kerry Hatley is a professional referee responsible for officiating matches under the Unified Rules of Mixed Martial Arts.

The details

The fight began with Ilimbek Akylbeck Uulu securing a takedown before Mehemmedeli Osmanli delivered the illegal strike. Referee Kerry Hatley immediately intervened to stop the contest after the blow left Akylbeck Uulu injured.

The match concluded 2:19 into the first round.

The Big Picture

This incident highlights the strict enforcement of the Unified Rules of Mixed Martial Arts regarding the prohibition of grounded strikes. These regulations remain the primary standard for maintaining fighter safety across professional promotions.

Ilimbek Akylbeck Uulu officially extends his winning streak to four fights due to the disqualification victory. The result effectively halts the momentum of Mehemmedeli Osmanli, whose nine-fight undefeated run has been interrupted.

The takeaway

This outcome serves as a stark reminder of the potential for sudden match endings due to rule violations in high-level combat sports. Fighters and trainers must maintain absolute precision to avoid career-altering consequences during the heat of competition.