UFC veteran Mehdi Baghdad debuts at Brave 12 against Pawel Kielek

UFC veteran Mehdi Baghdad will return to competition on May 11, as he makes his Brave Combat Federation debut in a welterweight clash against Pawel Kielek, promotion officials told MMA Fighting.

A former RFA lightweight champion, Baghdad (10-5) fought twice in official bouts under the UFC banner in 2016, losing to John Makdessi and Chris Wade.

Baghdad entered the promotion through the 22nd edition of The Ultimate Fighter, when he defeated Artem Lobov via majority decision. Baghdad was also part of TUF 25 in 2017, but lost to season winner Jesse Taylor in the opening bout.

Kielek (8-4-1) debuted under the Brave banner in March, losing a split decision to Sidney Wheeler. Pior to that defeat, the Polish fighter, 11 years younger than Baghdad, won two out of three inside the ACB cage with stoppage victories over Ireneusz Szydłowski and Rim Khaziakhmetov.

Brave 12 will take place in Jakarta, Indonesia, and also features Eldar Eldarov vs. Brian Hooi and Jarrah Al-Selawe vs. Tahar Hadbi.