The biggest win of Muslim Salikhov’s career came just weeks after his 40th birthday in the form of a triumph over Santiago Ponzinibbio in the UFC on ESPN 59 co-main event.
Salikhov (20-5 MMA, 7-4 UFC) avoided the first three-fight losing skid of his career and got back on the winning track Saturday with a split decision victory over Ponzinibbio (29-8 MMA, 11-7 UFC) in their welterweight clash at Ball Arena in Denver.
The “King of Kung Fu” used striking to his advantage once again for 28-29, 29-28 and 29-28 scores after going toe-to-toe for the majority of three rounds and edging out the exchanges in the eyes of the judges.
He proves that age is just a number!
Muslim Salikhov takes home the split decision over Santiago Ponzinibbio at #UFCDenver pic.twitter.com/oVH9FvOyYX
— UFC (@ufc) July 14, 2024
Avoiding the pressure of Ponzinibbio was key for Salikhov. He used footwork and movement to create angles against his oncoming opponent and uncorked some of his trademark spinning attacks when the opportunities presented themselves.
Ponzinibbio attempted takedowns at various points, but Salikhov was able to avoid any damage and get the nod in the end.
“Ponzinibbio is very experienced guy,” Salikhov said in his post-fight interview with Paul Felder. “I respect him a lot, but today, I had the best team, the best gameplan and I followed it. That’s why this happened. It was not easy, but it’s OK. I got the win.”
With the win, Salikhov has his hand raised for the first time since November 2022. Ponzinibbio, meanwhile, drops to 2-5 in his past seven fights since January 2021, which marked his return to competition from a multiyear layoff due to health issues.
Up-to-the-minute UFC on ESPN 59 results include:
- Muslim Salikhov def. Santiago Ponzinibbio via split decision (28-29, 29-28, 29-28
- Jean Silva def. Drew Dober via TKO (doctor’s stoppage) – Round 3, 1:28
- Gabriel Bonfim def. Ange Loosa via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
- Julian Erosa def. Christian Rodriguez via submission (guillotine choke) – Round 1, 4:49
- Abdul Razak Alhassan vs. Cody Brundage ruled no contest (accidental illegal strikes) – Round 1, 0:37
- Charles Johnson def. Joshua Van via knockout (punches) – Round 3, 0:20
- Jasmine Jasudavicius def. Fatima Kline via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
- Montel Jackson def. Da’Mon Blackshear via knockout (punch) – Round 1, 0:18
- Luana Santos def. Mariya Agapova via submission (rear-naked choke) – Round 1, 3:27
- Andre Petroski def. Josh Fremd via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
- Evan Elder def. Darrius Flowers via submission (arm-triangle choke) – Round 2, 1:46
For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC on ESPN 59.
