Muslim Salikhov
King of Kung Fu
Russia
Lasts 63 seconds in Vegas
Salikhov lost to Uros Medic via TKO (punches) at 1:03 of Round 1 at UFC Fight Night on Saturday in Las Vegas.
ANALYSIS
Not good. Yes, Salikhov was a slight (+120) underdog entering this fight, but this was the exact type of matchup in which he typically excels,. Medic is a fellow striker that is willing to stand in the pocket and throw down. Instead, he ate a straight shot up the middle which put him down before a few follow-up blows finished him off for good. Whenever you see a fighter Salikhov's age (41) get dominated to this extent, it makes you think the end is near. That said, Salikhov had won three in a row prior, so his roster spot is in no jeopardy.
Not good. Yes, Salikhov was a slight (+120) underdog entering this fight, but this was the exact type of matchup in which he typically excels,. Medic is a fellow striker that is willing to stand in the pocket and throw down. Instead, he ate a straight shot up the middle which put him down before a few follow-up blows finished him off for good. Whenever you see a fighter Salikhov's age (41) get dominated to this extent, it makes you think the end is near. That said, Salikhov had won three in a row prior, so his roster spot is in no jeopardy.
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Draws Medic in Vegas
Salikhov will take on Uros Medic in a welterweight matchup at UFC Vegas 111 on Nov. 8, Mike Bohn of USA Today reports.
ANALYSIS
Salikhov has put together a strong three-fight winning streak of late, most recently defeating Carlos Leal in under a minute in July en route to his second consecutive post-fight bonus. His opponent, Medic, is also coming off a quick KO finish, besting Gilbert Urbina at UFC Vegas 109 in August. While Medic has slight height and reach advantages, as well as greater stand-up volume, Salikhov has the grappling edge, as well as momentum, on his side.
Salikhov has put together a strong three-fight winning streak of late, most recently defeating Carlos Leal in under a minute in July en route to his second consecutive post-fight bonus. His opponent, Medic, is also coming off a quick KO finish, besting Gilbert Urbina at UFC Vegas 109 in August. While Medic has slight height and reach advantages, as well as greater stand-up volume, Salikhov has the grappling edge, as well as momentum, on his side.
Pulls upset of Carlos Leal
Salikhov defeated Carlos Leal via KO (punch) at 0:42 of Round 1 at UFC Fight Night on Saturday in Abu Dhabi.
ANALYSIS
Well, that was quite unexpected. Salikhov, of course, has big power, but he was going up against an opponent in Leal that entered as a -500 favorite and had yet to be knocked out in upwards of 30 professional fights. Muslim fired off a sweeping right hand which appeared to crack Leal on the top of the forehead. He immediately dropped and no follow-up shots were necessary. Salikhov's ceiling is limited in a major way by the fact he turned 41 years of age in June, but he's won three straight, including two in a row via knockout, dating back to July 2024. This one would go on to earn him a $50,000 Performance of the Night bonus.
Well, that was quite unexpected. Salikhov, of course, has big power, but he was going up against an opponent in Leal that entered as a -500 favorite and had yet to be knocked out in upwards of 30 professional fights. Muslim fired off a sweeping right hand which appeared to crack Leal on the top of the forehead. He immediately dropped and no follow-up shots were necessary. Salikhov's ceiling is limited in a major way by the fact he turned 41 years of age in June, but he's won three straight, including two in a row via knockout, dating back to July 2024. This one would go on to earn him a $50,000 Performance of the Night bonus.
Fighting Leal in July
Salikhov will take on Carlos Leal at UFC Abu Dhabi on July 26, per Marcel Dorff of Eurosport.nl.
ANALYSIS
Salikhov will head into the bout coming off back-to-back UFC victories over Kenan Song and Santiago Ponzinibbio in his most recent fights. The 5-foot-11 Russian will hope to use his experience to overcome a slight reach disadvantage against the younger Brazilian. With a combined 24-2 professional record in KO/TKO finishes between the two fighters, fireworks can likely be expected in this one.
Salikhov will head into the bout coming off back-to-back UFC victories over Kenan Song and Santiago Ponzinibbio in his most recent fights. The 5-foot-11 Russian will hope to use his experience to overcome a slight reach disadvantage against the younger Brazilian. With a combined 24-2 professional record in KO/TKO finishes between the two fighters, fireworks can likely be expected in this one.
Statement win in Macau
Salikhov defeated Song Kenan via KO (kick) at 3:49 of Round 1 at UFC Fight Night on Saturday in Macau, China.
ANALYSIS
Betting on a 40-year-old Salikhov is a dangerous proposition on a fight-by-fight basis, but the power remains legitimate and he's still capable of a standout performance like this now and then. One of the most talented fighters in the sport in terms of firing off spinning attacks, Muslim crushed Song with a wheel kick which ended the fight in an instant. Salikhov's 3-3 record in his past six fights is mediocre, but he still should have a fair amount of success if the company is careful regarding who they match him up against moving forward.
Betting on a 40-year-old Salikhov is a dangerous proposition on a fight-by-fight basis, but the power remains legitimate and he's still capable of a standout performance like this now and then. One of the most talented fighters in the sport in terms of firing off spinning attacks, Muslim crushed Song with a wheel kick which ended the fight in an instant. Salikhov's 3-3 record in his past six fights is mediocre, but he still should have a fair amount of success if the company is careful regarding who they match him up against moving forward.
Fight scheduled for November
Salikhov will fight Song Kenan at UFC Macau on Nov. 23, Marcel Dorff of Eurosport.nl reports.
ANALYSIS
Salikhov is 3-3 in his last six fights and will face off against Song Kenan, who has an 18-8 career record. Salikhov, now 40 years of age, defeated Santiago Ponzinibbio in July via split decision.
Salikhov is 3-3 in his last six fights and will face off against Song Kenan, who has an 18-8 career record. Salikhov, now 40 years of age, defeated Santiago Ponzinibbio in July via split decision.