Muslim Salikhov beat Santiago Ponzinibbio with a split decision Saturday in the UFC on ESPN 59 co-main event at Ball Arena in Denver.
Take a look inside the fight with Salikhov, who got back in the win column after back-to-back losses.
Muslim Salikhov def. Santiago Ponzinibbio
Result: Muslim Salikhov def. Santiago Ponzinibbio via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
Updated records: Salikhov (20-5 MMA, 7-4 UFC), Ponzinibbio (29-8 MMA, 11-7 UFC) (SD)
Key stats: Salikhov won the striking battle, 69-42.
Salikhov on the fight's key moment
“Ponzinibbio is a very experienced guy and I respect him a lot. But today I have the best team. They made for me the best game plan. I followed it, and that’s why (the win) happened. It wasn’t easy, but that’s OK – I got the win.”
Salikhov on adjusting to the altitude
“Yes, (coming to Denver early was the right move). It was the decision of my manager – he told me I should come here earlier.”
Salikhov on what he wants next
“I love Denver after (coming early to acclimate to the climate). This is the best city in America for me. All my camps, I will do here now.”
To hear more from Salikhov, check out the video of the full post-fight interview above.
For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC on ESPN 59.
