A welterweight showdown between Santiago Ponzinibbio and Muslim Salikhov is set to headline the co-main event of UFC Denver. Both fighters are eager to bounce back from recent losses as they step into the octagon on Saturday.
Although neither Ponzinibbio nor Salikhov are currently ranked in the top 15 of the UFC's welterweight division, their matchup promises to be an intriguing battle for fans.
Santiago Ponzinibbio's Journey
Ponzinibbio, with a record of 29-7, made his UFC debut in 2013 and has since amassed an impressive 9-1 record. However, health issues forced him to take a break from fighting, and he has struggled with a 2-3 record in his recent fights. The 37-year-old fighter is coming off a knockout loss to Kevin Holland in his last bout.
Muslim Salikhov's Path
Salikhov, with a record of 19-5, joined the UFC in 2017 and had a strong start with a 13-1 record. Despite a recent two-fight losing streak, Salikhov remains a formidable opponent with his striking prowess and takedown skills.
Matchup Analysis
The odds for the Ponzinibbio vs. Salikhov fight have shifted, with Ponzinibbio now being the favorite. Ponzinibbio's striking stats show he lands 4.90 significant strikes per minute, while Salikhov lands 3.36. Salikhov, on the other hand, has a higher striking accuracy at 51 percent compared to Ponzinibbio's 41 percent.
Expert Prediction
Despite Salikhov's speed and technique advantages, Ponzinibbio's patience and ability to control the fight could give him the edge. The betting pick leans towards Ponzinibbio winning by decision in what is expected to be a closely contested matchup.
UFC Denver is scheduled for Saturday, July 13, at Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado, with the main event featuring Rose Namajunas against Tracy Cortez. The event will be broadcast on ESPN and ESPN+ for fans to enjoy the action-packed fight card.
