Tom Niinimaki vs. Rani Yahya featherweight fight headed to TUF 18 Finale

Another UFC newcomer has found his way onto the promotion’s TUF 18 Finale in November.

Tom Niinimaki (20-5-1 MMA, 0-0 UFC), of Finland, has signed with the promotion and will meet Rani Yahya (19-7 MMA, 4-1 UFC) in a featherweight bout on the card. UFC officials announced the new fight booking on Tuesday.

The TUF 18 Finale takes place Nov. 30 at Mandalay Bay Events Center in Las Vegas and features a main-event flyweight title fight rematch between champion Demetrious Johnson and top contender Joseph Benavidez. In addition, the women’s and men’s bantamweight winners of Season 18 of “The Ultimate Fighter” will be crowned.

The show will have a main card airing on FOX Sports 1 following prelims that are likely to be on that channel, as well as Facebook.

Niinimaki enters the UFC on an 11-fight win streak that has stretched over more than six years. In 2013, he has a decision win over former WEC bantamweight champion Chase Beebe and a submission win over UFC veteran Walel Watson less than three weeks ago in his home country. The 31-year-old has been fighting professionally for nearly 11 years and has 15 of his 20 wins by stoppage.

Yahya will be looking to stretch his winning streak to four fights. The Brazilian jiu-jitsu wiz has three straight wins over Josh Grispi, Mizuto Hirota and Josh Clopton, the latter two coming by decision. Three of his four UFC wins are by decision, but 15 of his 19 wins overall are by submission.

WIth the addition, the latest TUF 18 Finale card now includes:

• Champ Demetrious Johnson vs. Joseph Benavidez – for flyweight title
• TBA vs. TBA – “TUF 18? men’s tournament final
• TBA vs. TBA – “TUF 18? women’s tournament final
• Nate Diaz vs. Gray Maynard
• Walter Harris vs. Jared Rosholt
• Maximo Blanco vs. Akira Corassani
• Tom Niinimaki vs. Rani Yahya

For more on The Ultimate Fighter 18 Finale, stay tuned to the UFC Rumors section of the site.

(Pictured: Rani Yahya)