Career Averages - Muslim Salikhov
Career Averages - Uroš Medić
Muslim Salikhov - Fight History
Angelo picks Jake Matthews to win and finish, noting that his original opponent Muslim Salikhov was replaced by Carlston Harris. He believes Harris is past his prime, less durable, and stepping up on short notice, while Matthews is well-rounded and should find a finish.
Lucrative James picks Jake Matthews, citing his youth (31 vs 38), better boxing, head movement, and overall skill set compared to Carlston Harris. He notes Matthews' unfortunate last loss due to a referee error but believes he is the better fighter everywhere. He highlights Harris's poor durability, cardio, and recent knockout losses, and expects Matthews to land clean shots and get a knockout. He also mentions Matthews' improved chin and comfort in the UFC.
The MMA Guru picks Jake Matthews to win by knockout. He notes that Muslim Salikhov is a one-dimensional grappler at 39 years old with poor striking, while Matthews is a good offensive boxer and grappler. He believes Matthews will keep the fight on the feet and land a knockout.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Muslim Salikhov | 0 | 2 of 5 | 40% | 2 of 5 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Uroš Medić | 1 | 8 of 13 | 61% | 9 of 14 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:05 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Muslim Salikhov | 0 | 2 of 5 | 40% | 2 of 5 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Uroš Medić | 1 | 8 of 13 | 61% | 9 of 14 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:05 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Muslim Salikhov | 2 of 5 | 40% | 0 of 1 | 0 of 1 | 2 of 3 | 2 of 5 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Uroš Medić | 8 of 13 | 61% | 5 of 9 | 3 of 3 | 0 of 1 | 5 of 9 | 0 of 0 | 3 of 4 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Muslim Salikhov | 2 of 5 | 40% | 0 of 1 | 0 of 1 | 2 of 3 | 2 of 5 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Uroš Medić | 8 of 13 | 61% | 5 of 9 | 3 of 3 | 0 of 1 | 5 of 9 | 0 of 0 | 3 of 4 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Medic (-180); Salikhov (+150)
Round 1
If rankings and relevant pairings do not litter the lineup, at least the matchmakers have lined up a few bangers. At 41, Salikhov (22-5, 9-4 UFC) may be looking as good as ever, with three wins in a row including two knockouts making his twilight years quite something. He will have to contend with brick-fisted Serb Medic (11-3, 5-3 UFC), who has come from Alaska to train down in California at Kings MMA. The two welterweights will be joined in the Octagon by referee Kerry Hatley, who has already donned his proverbial hard hat, fully cognizant that this one could be a doozey. There is a touch of gloves to open things up.
Medic tries early to swat away Salikhov’s staging left hand, stomping his way forward to threaten with strikes to the lead knee. Both men lash out with blows at the same time, and they need some time before re-engaging. They kick simultaneously, with Medic putting a scare in the Dagestan native by going upstairs. Medic tosses one out with his other leg, wrapping it around the back of the Russian’s melon.
Salikhov has to back off, and Medic rifles off a straight left hand that puts Salikhov on his seat. Salikhov tries to scoot around to grab hold of the leg of “The Doctor,” but Medic slams him in the side of the head with his angry Alaskan fist a few times until Salikhov shells up.
Hatley sees that Salikhov has physically surrendered at that point and steps in to save the Russian from any further harm. That is two knockouts in a row for Medic right around one minute, as he iced Gilbert Urbina in August in 63 seconds. The 100% finish rate remains intact as well, as Medic calls for bigger opportunities in the future.
The Official Result
Uros Medic def. Muslim Salikhov R1 1:03 via TKO (Punches)
Angelo picks Uros Medic because he is younger, faster, and more technical, but he is not confident. He notes that Muslim Salikhov hits extremely hard and has wrestling, making him a phenomenal underdog. He acknowledges that Medic was almost finished by Gilbert Urbina, which raises concerns about his chin.
Big Brady has a hot take predicting Salikhov wins by spinning wheel kick knockout in the first round. He highlights Salikhov's patented spinning wheel kick, which he has used to knock out multiple opponents, including Carlos Leia. He questions Medić's durability, noting he got knocked down by Gilbert Urbina, which is a bad sign. He expects an early knockout.
Cody picks Salikhov, noting his power and counter-striking ability. He thinks Medić's aggressive, forward-moving style plays into Salikhov's hands, and that Salikhov will land a knockout early.
Lucrative James picks Muslim Salikhov despite acknowledging the volatility of the matchup. He notes Salikhov's higher level of competition and experience, as well as his recent training camp improvements. However, he admits both fighters have poor chins and heavy hands, making it a coin flip. He predicts Salikhov wins by knockout in round one, but also considers betting on the under or 'doesn't go to decision'.
The host expects a firecracker fight and loves the under 1.5 rounds. He believes Medic will snipe Salikhov from distance and win by knockout within five minutes.
Paul also picks Salikhov, calling the fight a 'car crash' and expecting a knockout. He likes the plus money on the older fighter and thinks Medić's durability issues will be exposed.
The Guru picks Muslim Salikhov to win by first-round KO. He believes Uroš Medić is too easily hit and erratic, lunging in with punches, while Salikhov has powerful spinning attacks and counters. He expects Salikhov to catch Medić coming in and finish him early.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Muslim Salikhov | 1 | 3 of 9 | 33% | 3 of 9 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Carlos Leal | 0 | 5 of 9 | 55% | 5 of 9 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Muslim Salikhov | 1 | 3 of 9 | 33% | 3 of 9 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Carlos Leal | 0 | 5 of 9 | 55% | 5 of 9 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Muslim Salikhov | 3 of 9 | 33% | 1 of 4 | 1 of 4 | 1 of 1 | 3 of 9 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Carlos Leal | 5 of 9 | 55% | 5 of 9 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 5 of 8 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Muslim Salikhov | 3 of 9 | 33% | 1 of 4 | 1 of 4 | 1 of 1 | 3 of 9 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Carlos Leal | 5 of 9 | 55% | 5 of 9 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 5 of 8 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Leal (-400); Salikhov (+320)
Round 1
The old guard of the UFC is not entirely falling apart as of late. The example in this matchup is Salikhov (21-5, 8-4 UFC), who has won two in a row—his last victory via his beloved spinning wheel kick—and now is at the tender age of 41. He will be trying to show Leal (22-6, 1-1 UFC), 10 years his junior, that age is nothing but a number. The welterweight strikers will be joined in the Octagon by referee Dan Movahedi, who initiates the proceedings and bears witness to a brief fist bump.
Salikhov gets right on his bike firing off kicks to the lead leg and body. Leal marches him down to reach boxing range, where he intends on lining up one-twos down Broadway. The Brazilian swings hard, not giving Salikhov much space, and a straight left hand gets Salikhov’s attention.
The 41-year-old bites down on his mouthpiece to give his foe back some fire, slipping a jab and lobbing a massive right hand from his hip that careens into the forehead of Lean. The Brazilian hits the deck, devoid of his senses, and Salikhov walks away knowing that his work here is done.
He strides over to the commentary team to remind them of his age, and it is hard to say if he knows that he just became the first fighter to ever knock out the ultra-durable Leal. This marks the first time since 2019 that “The King of Kung Fu” picked up back-to-back consciousness-depriving knockouts, as he obliterated Kenan Song last November with a spinning wheel kick. To stick the landing, Salikhov calls for a matchup against Stephen Thompson that would undoubtedly display some traditional martial arts fireworks.
The Official Result
Muslim Salikhov def. Carlos Leal R1 0:42 via KO (Punch)
Angelo picks Carlos Leal, citing his dangerous Muay Thai, forward pressure, durability, and power. He notes Muslim Salikhov is 41 with a declining chin, and Leal's pressure will prevent Salikhov from using his unorthodox karate. He considers -400 odds appropriate but will parlay Leal rather than bet straight.
Big Brady picks Carlos Leal Miranda, citing his pressure style and power. He notes Salikhov is old (calls him 60+), needs space to throw spinning attacks, and does not like being pressured. He compares it to the Leech fight where pressure led to a finish. He predicts a second-round knockout, warning only about a potential spinning wheel kick.
Connor also picks Leal, emphasizing that Salikhov's most dangerous strikes come against opponents who give him space, and Leal's constant pressure will negate that. He compares Leal to Nicholas Dalby, who beat Salikhov by being rugged and busy. Connor notes that Salikhov has won similar fights before but is older now and less likely to keep pace.
Leal is a big favorite and deservedly so. He is expected to walk down Salikhov, take his best shots, but throw even harder in return, leading to a knockout victory.
The MMA Guru picks Carlos Leal, calling him a 'monster' and noting his physicality and pressure. He believes Salikhov is aging and has a reach disadvantage, and that Leal will get in his face and beat him up against the cage. He predicts a second-round TKO after a tricky first round.
Zane picks Carlos Leal, believing his pressure and durability will overwhelm the aging Salikhov. He notes that Salikhov is crafty but tends to get worn down by persistent fighters, and Leal has never been stopped. Zane sees Leal's brute force and constant forward movement as the key to forcing Salikhov into brawling exchanges where Leal will come out on top.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Muslim Salikhov | 0 | 9 of 21 | 42% | 11 of 23 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:19 |
| Song Kenan | 1 | 20 of 28 | 71% | 20 of 28 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:02 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Muslim Salikhov | 0 | 9 of 21 | 42% | 11 of 23 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:19 |
| Song Kenan | 1 | 20 of 28 | 71% | 20 of 28 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:02 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Muslim Salikhov | 9 of 21 | 42% | 4 of 15 | 1 of 2 | 4 of 4 | 8 of 20 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
| Song Kenan | 20 of 28 | 71% | 7 of 14 | 3 of 4 | 10 of 10 | 19 of 27 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 1 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Muslim Salikhov | 9 of 21 | 42% | 4 of 15 | 1 of 2 | 4 of 4 | 8 of 20 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
| Song Kenan | 20 of 28 | 71% | 7 of 14 | 3 of 4 | 10 of 10 | 19 of 27 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 1 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogRound 1
Two welterweights with finish rates of 75% or above collide as the main card continues, with two relative elder statesmen in the weight class plying their trade against one another. Song (22-8, 6-4 UFC) celebrates an equal number of knockouts to submissions, while “King of Kung Fu” Salikhov (20-5, 7-4 UFC) is all about the former. Referee Mark Craig will serve as the cage commander for a tense showdown, one that kicks off as the fighters clap hands. Song comes in, and before he can throw, Salikhov kicks his front leg. Song tries again, this time reaching out with a left hand first. Salikhov chops at the leg again, and he blocks a high kick. They both attempt leg kicks, and Salikhov doubles up on his efforts. Song guards against a few punches and throws a few back to counter, and he is driven away with a spinning back kick that lands square on his ribs. Salikhov kicks and then opens up with two left hooks, and as there are lulls in the action, the crowd begins riling up in support of the Chinese competitor. Salikhov darts in and out to attack, picking his shots until getting met with a spinning back kick coming back his way. Salikhov grits it out and blasts the lead wheel with a kick. Song does not like this, and he blitzes forward, drilling Salikhov in the side of the head and stunning him. As Song closes in, he clinches, and a knee bangs into Salikhov’s cup. Song backs away apologetically to allow Craig to call time, and Salikhov takes 40 seconds to get his wind back. They restart, and Salikhov picks up where he left off with calf kicks. Salikhov scores a right hand, catches a head kick and dumps Song to the mat. Salikhov backs off, with no interest in exploring the ground game, and instead he keeps adding money in the bank with these vicious calf kicks. Song shakes his leg out and hops away from a spinning back fist, and he races forward with a left hand.
The Russian, known for his spinning arsenal, dips into the well with a wheel kick that smashes cleanly into the melon of Song. “The Assassin” crumples to the ground in a heap, rolling to his side as he is bordering on the edge of consciousness. Salikhov drums him out with two hammerfists that are academic at best, and Craig gets between them to tend to the defeated fighter.
Song comes to before long and he graciously accepts the loss. Meanwhile, Salikhov becomes the first fighter in company history to deliver multiple knockouts via wheel kick. The “King of Kung Fu” is for real, even at the ripe age of 40.
The Official Result
Muslim Salikhov def. Kenan Song via R1 3:49 via KO (Spinning Wheel Kick)
Angelo picks Muslim Salikhov, criticizing Song Kenan's low fight IQ and lack of killer instinct. He notes Salikhov's wrestling and striking power, and expects him to capitalize on Song's mistakes. He calls Song 'one punch or bust' and an idiot inside the cage.
Big Brady picks Muslim Salikhov to win by knockout. He admits he usually picks against Salikhov due to his age (40, possibly older), low volume, and questionable cardio, but he sees Song Kenan as a walking punching bag with low volume and poor durability. Brady thinks Salikhov can knock out Song, who has been knocked out four times. However, he is hesitant and wants to stay away from this fight.
Cody picks Salikhov but with low confidence, citing Song Kenan's poor defensive striking and tendency to absorb high volume. He thinks Salikhov's flashy, low-volume style can land the more significant shots and potentially clip Song. He expects a close decision or a late knockout for Salikhov, but warns that Song could outwork him if he walks into the fire.
Connor agrees with Zane, noting that Song Kenan's pace is exactly what Salikhov thrives on—slow and methodical, allowing Salikhov to use feints and set up his strikes. He also points out that Salikhov's traditional martial arts background gives him a soft landing for aging, and he remains uninjury-prone. Connor acknowledges Song's power but thinks Salikhov's technical edge wins.
Daniel Vreeland picks Muslim Salikhov but expresses concern about his age (40). He acknowledges Salikhov's superior skills, spinning attacks, and counter striking, but worries about durability and slowing down. He notes Song Kenan has heavy hands but lacks volume and takedown defense. Vreeland thinks Salikhov has more ways to win and should stay at range to avoid exchanges.
James confidently picks Song Kenan as an underdog, believing Muslim Salikhov is washed at 40 years old with declining durability and cardio. He thinks Song's power and youth can lead to a knockout, and sees value at +160.
Song is closer to his prime and will take advantage of Salikhov's durability issues. He will thwart Salikhov's sanda style and find a big knockout in the second or third round.
Paul also picks Salikhov, noting that Song Kenan is hittable and Salikhov is more defensively sound. He acknowledges Salikhov is 40 years old but believes his experience and ability to land flashy techniques will edge him a close decision. He expects a low-volume, tactical fight where Salikhov steals rounds with significant strikes.
The MMA Guru picks Muslim Salikhov over Song Kenan, despite initially considering Song. He notes Song has been tricky but has losses to Max Griffin and a split decision with Santiago Ponzinibbio. He criticizes Song's win over Ricky Glenn as not dominant. He acknowledges Salikhov is 40 but coming off a win and active. He believes Salikhov is powerful and faster.
Zane picks Salikhov, arguing that Song Kenan's one-punch-at-a-time striking style will be neutralized by Salikhov's educated jab and range control. He notes that Song loses to good strikers who can out-volume him, and Salikhov's feints and kicking game will keep Song guessing. Zane also mentions Salikhov's durability and consistent activity despite being 40.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Muslim Salikhov | 0 | 41 of 117 | 35% | 42 of 118 | 2 of 5 | 40% | 0 | 0 | 2:29 |
| Santiago Ponzinibbio | 0 | 46 of 121 | 38% | 69 of 146 | 0 of 5 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Muslim Salikhov | 0 | 14 of 43 | 32% | 14 of 43 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:06 |
| Santiago Ponzinibbio | 0 | 17 of 37 | 45% | 17 of 37 | 0 of 4 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 2 | Muslim Salikhov | 0 | 16 of 45 | 35% | 16 of 45 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 0:22 |
| Santiago Ponzinibbio | 0 | 14 of 48 | 29% | 16 of 50 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 3 | Muslim Salikhov | 0 | 11 of 29 | 37% | 12 of 30 | 1 of 4 | 25% | 0 | 0 | 2:01 |
| Santiago Ponzinibbio | 0 | 15 of 36 | 41% | 36 of 59 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Muslim Salikhov | 41 of 117 | 35% | 31 of 102 | 5 of 7 | 5 of 8 | 40 of 116 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
| Santiago Ponzinibbio | 46 of 121 | 38% | 20 of 87 | 20 of 27 | 6 of 7 | 45 of 120 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Muslim Salikhov | 14 of 43 | 32% | 9 of 36 | 4 of 5 | 1 of 2 | 14 of 43 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Santiago Ponzinibbio | 17 of 37 | 45% | 7 of 27 | 8 of 8 | 2 of 2 | 16 of 36 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Muslim Salikhov | 16 of 45 | 35% | 13 of 41 | 0 of 1 | 3 of 3 | 16 of 45 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Santiago Ponzinibbio | 14 of 48 | 29% | 7 of 37 | 4 of 8 | 3 of 3 | 14 of 48 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Muslim Salikhov | 11 of 29 | 37% | 9 of 25 | 1 of 1 | 1 of 3 | 10 of 28 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
| Santiago Ponzinibbio | 15 of 36 | 41% | 6 of 23 | 8 of 11 | 1 of 2 | 15 of 36 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Ponzinibbio (-205), Salikhov (+170)
Round 1
From one pair of knockout artists to another we go, this time in the welterweight division. The co-main event presents powerful Argentinian Ponzinibbio (29-7, 11-6 UFC) against the self-proclaimed “King of Kung Fu” Salikhov (19-5, 6-4 UFC), and both men celebrate the majority of their victories via strikes. Unfortunately for the aging 170ers, they have each gone 1-3 in their last four, so a win would mean keeping things going while a defeat might push them closer towards the end. Referee Dan Miragliotta will be the third man in the Octagon, and he steps back as the heavy hitters touch ‘em up. Ponzinibbio pushes the pace early, jabbing his way forward only to get pushed back by a front kick. Salikhov delivers a solid kick to the body as he shifts to the side, and he lands one on the lead leg and has a head kick blocked right after. Ponzinibbio whiffs on a low kick, and Salikhov leaps at him with a left hook that grazes the jaw. Salikhov tries that strike again, and Ponzinibbio sees it coming and parries it, following with a high kick. Salikhov blocks it and gives him one back, and that too bounces off the guard. Salikhov lands a body kick backing up, and he cannot get away from a jab to his ribs. Salikhov spins with no telegraphing and has it ricochet off the shoulder, and he bursts his way into a short combo of punches. Ponzinibbio lands with two of three punches on his way forward, catching the Russian and bullying him back to the wire. Ponzinibbio lands a calf kick and protects his mug from an overhand right, and he ducks a spinning back fist and stumbles—not from absorbing the blow, but from dodging it. Ponzinibbio wags his finger to signal the strike did not land, and he recovers and stays evasive to not get caught with subsequent strikes from the “King of Kung Fu.” Salikhov connects with a left hand, and Ponzinibbio counters and drops Salikhov. The Russian gets back to his feet, and Ponzinibbio is marching him down winding up with serious power. Salikhov drives him back with a solid uppercut, but not before a cut opens up on the inner eyebrow. Both men appear to slip on the canvas surface but not because of damage, and they race at one another to trade. Salikhov lands a heavy right hand, and the round ends.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Ponzinibbio
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Ponzinibbio
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Ponzinibbio
Round 2
The fighters clap hands to begin the second stanza, and Salikhov takes two attempts to blitz forward and pulls back each time. He then spins with a wheel kick that buzzes past the jaw, and he keeps spinning, this time with a back fist. Ponzinibbio backs him away with a few jabs and a head kick, and he pushes aside a front kick to wing a right hand. Salikhov scores two left hooks before spinning with a back kick to the ribs, and Ponzinibbio no-sells it and tries to respond with a left. Salikhov has another spin broken up when Ponzinibbio rushes him, and they bounce off one another and reset. Salikhov jabs out with his toes outstretched, and they tag one another with punches. Ponzinibbio appears to get the worse of a left hand, and Salikhov gives chase and swarms him with big punches. Ponzinibbio absorbs a spinning wheel kick, where even while blocked it further staggers him. Ponzinibbio rebounds off the fencing and finds his footing again, and he swings his way forward to close the distance and stay out of kicking range. Salikhov responds with a looping right hook that does not connect and a low kick that does. Salikhov tries another wheel kick, but Ponzinibbio is wise to it and gets up close and personal. The Russian allows him to do this so he can time an uppercut, and he plants the ball of his foot on Ponzinibbio’s sternum for good measure. Ponzinibbio drives home a one-two, and Salikhov trips him up with a takedown effort. Salikhov cannot keep him down, and they return upright to trade hands. The Argentinian fighter swings inaccurately with two hooks, and his foe answers him with a front kick and a leaping punch. Salikhov has a left hook parried, and he jumps forward with a second that is ducked. Spinning with a kick to the body, Salikhov lands the strike but finds himself on his seat a moment later when Ponzinibbio surprises him with a takedown. Ponzinibbio hangs on until the horn sounds.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Salikhov
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Salikhov
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Salikhov
Round 3
The fighters shake hands and bro-hug to commence the last round, and strikes are soon to follow. Salikhov lands a swiping left hook and hops back to avoid a low kick, and the Argentinian ducks to avoid a second. Salikhov spams front kicks, and Ponzinibbio lets fly a right hook that bangs into the temple. Salikhov wears it well and is jabbed back by subsequent strikes, but he gathers steam and marches forward landing a front kick. Both fighters trade hooks, and Salikhov dodges a leg kick and spins with a wheel kick that does not connect. A trio of punches from the Russian do not find their home, and he whips a left hook that grazes the top of his foe’s head. Ponzinibbio rushes after him with a pair of punches and is pushed back by a teep kick, only to crash the pocket and push “King of Kung Fu” to the cage wall. Salikhov breaks away and strafes one direction and then the other, and he has a telegraphed left hook miss the mark by a wide margin. Ponzinibbio attempts a single that is easily stopped, although he does manage to put Salikhov against the cage wall. A second attempt manages to bring Salikhov to his knees, and he drapes himself over Salikhov while keeping him on a single knee. Salikhov takes a seat, and Ponzinibbio thinks about moving around to take the back but decides instead to pursue top position. Ponzinibbio slows the fight to a crawl by holding the Russian down, and Salikhov sucks wind and tries with all his might to stand. He eventually gets back to his feet, and Ponzinibbio is dead set on getting that takedown again. The last try fails, and the close fight ends in a clinch while the crowd showers them with boos.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Ponzinibbio (29-28 Ponzinibbio)
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Ponzinibbio (29-28 Ponzinibbio)
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Ponzinibbio (29-28 Ponzinibbio)
The Official Result
Muslim Salikhov def. Santiago Ponzinibbio via Split Decision (28-29, 29-28, 29-28)
Angelo picks Santiago Ponzinibbio, believing he will dominate the striking exchanges and that Muslim Salikhov will fade at elevation. He notes that both fighters are older and coming off losses, but Ponzinibbio's volume and range management should be key. He thinks the odds are too wide for a favorite and would only bet if the line moves to around -120.
Cody picks Ponzinibbio but is hesitant, noting both fighters are past their prime and have cardio issues at altitude. He thinks Ponzinibbio's speed and volume will outwork Salikhov, but fears Salikhov could land a big shot late. He calls it a dog-or-pass situation.
Daniel Vreeland picks Muslim Salikhov to upset Santiago Ponzinibbio. He believes Ponzinibbio has never been the same after a severe bacterial infection, losing speed and durability. He notes that both fighters are past their primes, but at the odds, he prefers the underdog Salikhov. He mentions that Ponzinibbio's recent performances have been poor, including a life-and-death fight with Miguel Baeza and knockout losses. He calls it a 'dog or pass' situation and goes with Salikhov.
Santiago Ponzinibbio is slightly favored. He is a bit faster and slicker with his shots. Durability is shaky on both sides, but Ponzinibbio's speed should allow him to land the first big shot and put Salikhov away. The line has dropped from -220 to -180, still a bit wide.
Paul picks Ponzinibbio but is cautious, citing Salikhov's power and cardio concerns for both. He believes Ponzinibbio's speed and volume will be key, but acknowledges the fight could end violently for either. He expects a competitive fight.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Randy Brown | 1 | 13 of 46 | 28% | 13 of 46 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:03 |
| Muslim Salikhov | 0 | 10 of 22 | 45% | 10 of 22 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Randy Brown | 1 | 13 of 46 | 28% | 13 of 46 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:03 |
| Muslim Salikhov | 0 | 10 of 22 | 45% | 10 of 22 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Randy Brown | 13 of 46 | 28% | 6 of 33 | 1 of 5 | 6 of 8 | 12 of 45 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 1 |
| Muslim Salikhov | 10 of 22 | 45% | 0 of 9 | 1 of 2 | 9 of 11 | 10 of 22 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Randy Brown | 13 of 46 | 28% | 6 of 33 | 1 of 5 | 6 of 8 | 12 of 45 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 1 |
| Muslim Salikhov | 10 of 22 | 45% | 0 of 9 | 1 of 2 | 9 of 11 | 10 of 22 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Brown (-245), Salikhov (+200)
Round 1
A killer welterweight matchup originally scheduled for UFC 296 in December, rescheduled due to Brown falling ill, now blesses “UFC Vegas 85.” While Brown and Salikhov lose the full-arena vibe, they do see their scrap promoted from curtain-jerker to feature fight. Lubbock, Texas’ own Kerry Hatley draws his final referee assignment of the night. The “Rude Boy” and “King of Kung Fu” immediately begin exchanging kicks. Salikhov goes low with quick calf kicks, which Brown counters with long flicking front kicks to the midsection. Salikhov tries a spinning wheel kick which falls short, but had murderous speed on it. A minute and a half in, not much has landed outside of low kicks, but it feels as though either man might bust this fight—and maybe his foe—wide open at any moment. Salikhov’s chopping kicks to Brown’s lead leg are starting to land with increasing frequency and force. Brown reaches out with his left hand and the extended fingers swipe Salikhov’s eye. The two touch hands in recognition of the foul before Hatley even calls time, but Salikhov does take his time to blink it out. They go back to work and Brown stocks out a fast jab, feints with his right hip and then comes back with a kick from the other side.
Out of nowhere, Brown crushes Salikhov with a jab and a blistering right cross. Salikhov goes down and Brown appears to hesitate before following up. With no stoppage forthcoming Brown lands a single standing-to-ground right on the turtled Russian, and that’s enough to spur Hatley into action.
Highlight-reel knockout from Randy Brown.
The Official Result
Randy Brown def. Muslim Salikhov R1 3:17 via KO (Punches)
Angelo picks Randy Brown, citing his length and range management. He notes that Muslim Salikhov is dangerous but slowing down at 39, losing cardio and power. He expects Brown to use his reach, work takedowns, and out-technique the aging veteran.
Big Brady picks Randy Brown to win by second-round submission (club and sub). He notes that Brown is younger, bigger, has a massive reach advantage, better cardio, and better grappling. He questions Salikhov's age (believes he's older than 39) and notes his low volume, poor cardio, and grappling holes. Brady has been burned by Brown as a favorite before but thinks this is a good matchup.
Cody picks Brown, citing Salikhov's age (39), poor cardio, and low volume. Brown's reach and movement should keep him safe, and he expects Brown to win a decision or possibly a late finish. He notes Salikhov's only path is an early KO.
Brown uses his long reach and distance striking to pick opponents apart, and should be able to circle away from Salikhov's power. Salikhov is 39 and slowing down, with a speed disadvantage. Brown's takedown defense and ability to get back to his feet if taken down will be key. The host expects Brown to win decisively by decision.
Paul picks Brown, agreeing with Cody. He notes Brown's 9-inch reach advantage and Salikhov's decline. He likes Brown by decision at +120 but says the market is accurate and he may not bet it heavily.
The MMA Guru picks Randy Brown over Muslim Salikhov, predicting a late TKO. He notes Salikhov is 39 and has looked his age, while Brown has an 8-inch reach advantage. He believes Brown can keep Salikhov at range with jabs, teeps, and low kicks, and that Salikhov's power is limited to a few shots. He trusts Brown's ability to avoid Salikhov's right hand, as he did against Khaos Williams.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nicolas Dalby | 0 | 86 of 140 | 61% | 104 of 158 | 2 of 5 | 40% | 0 | 0 | 6:36 |
| Muslim Salikhov | 0 | 57 of 88 | 64% | 70 of 101 | 2 of 2 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 0:55 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nicolas Dalby | 0 | 21 of 44 | 47% | 22 of 45 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:07 |
| Muslim Salikhov | 0 | 27 of 45 | 60% | 27 of 45 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 0:18 | |
| 2 | Nicolas Dalby | 0 | 17 of 27 | 62% | 24 of 34 | 1 of 3 | 33% | 0 | 0 | 3:21 |
| Muslim Salikhov | 0 | 10 of 14 | 71% | 18 of 22 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 0:27 | |
| 3 | Nicolas Dalby | 0 | 48 of 69 | 69% | 58 of 79 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 0 | 0 | 3:08 |
| Muslim Salikhov | 0 | 20 of 29 | 68% | 25 of 34 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:10 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nicolas Dalby | 86 of 140 | 61% | 41 of 84 | 36 of 43 | 9 of 13 | 43 of 91 | 36 of 41 | 7 of 8 |
| Muslim Salikhov | 57 of 88 | 64% | 34 of 58 | 21 of 28 | 2 of 2 | 47 of 78 | 10 of 10 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nicolas Dalby | 21 of 44 | 47% | 7 of 25 | 6 of 8 | 8 of 11 | 17 of 40 | 4 of 4 | 0 of 0 |
| Muslim Salikhov | 27 of 45 | 60% | 14 of 26 | 11 of 17 | 2 of 2 | 27 of 45 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Nicolas Dalby | 17 of 27 | 62% | 9 of 17 | 7 of 9 | 1 of 1 | 6 of 13 | 8 of 10 | 3 of 4 |
| Muslim Salikhov | 10 of 14 | 71% | 5 of 9 | 5 of 5 | 0 of 0 | 8 of 12 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Nicolas Dalby | 48 of 69 | 69% | 25 of 42 | 23 of 26 | 0 of 1 | 20 of 38 | 24 of 27 | 4 of 4 |
| Muslim Salikhov | 20 of 29 | 68% | 15 of 23 | 5 of 6 | 0 of 0 | 12 of 21 | 8 of 8 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Salikhov (-190), Dalby (+160)
Round 1
A potential all-action welterweight tilt will kick off the main card, as blood-and-guts Dalby (21-4-1, 2 NC; 5-3-1, 1 NC UFC) stands across the cage from “King of Kung Fu” Salikhov (19-3, 6-2 UFC). This will be the eldest bout on the billing, as Dalby is over 38 while Salikhov just turned 39, so the clock is absolutely ticking for these two 170-pound competitors in hopes of making a run. They do not plan on touching gloves, and referee Mark Smith sits back to observe the proceedings. Dalby slings a high kick early, and Salikhov replies with a solid calf kick as if he had watched the last bout and wanted to replicate that success. Dalby goes for another head kick that is blocked, and he puts a jab in the Russian’s face. Salikhov rifles out a left hand, and he absorbs a kick on the inside of his knee. Salikhov aims a front kick to the chest, and Dalby is quick to kick low again. Salikhov scores a pair of dangerous leg kicks, and they trade punches until Dalby decides to give Salikhov a taste of his own medicine with a kick. Salikhov reaches out with a left hook, and he pushes out with a front kick. The two trade leg kicks, and Dalby ducks a Superman punch right in time. Salikhov spins suddenly with a back fist, and Dalby raises his guard and takes a clean spinning back kick right after to the chest. Dalby picks at the lead leg with a kick, and they both go after one another with heavy right hooks. Dalby aims a shin to the midsection, and he walks into a solid right hand. When Dalby tries to kick low, Salikhov stands him up with an overhand right. Both men crash together with thudding fists, and Salikhov reaches his man in a subsequent strike. “King of Kung Fu” beats Dalby to the punch, and he clips him with a left hand to stagger Dalby. Dalby gathers his thoughts and retaliates with a right hand and a huge head kick. Salikhov is damaged from the blow, and he pursues a takedown to drag Dalby to the ground to recover. The two both stand up in the clinch, and the round ends.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Salikhov
Edwin Ayala scores the round: 10-9 Salikhov
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Salikhov
Round 2
The welterweights come together in the center of the cage, and Dalby initiates offense with a head kick that is blocked. Salikhov replies with a front kick, leading Dalby into a charge that pushes him against the cage to the wall. Salikhov turns him around, and Dalby reaches him with high knees even with his back against the fence. Salikhov breaks off, and he defends a body kick and spins with a back kick to the midsection. The two measure one another with one-twos, and Dalby ducks straight into a knee when pursuing a takedown. Salikhov keeps his back to the wire as he stays upright, and Dalby lifts up a high knee. This is the worst thing Dalby can do, as Salikhov grabs hold of it, turns Dalby around and deposits him to the canvas. Dalby calmly works his way back up with the fence behind him, and he spams short knees to the side. Dalby wrenches the Dagestan native to the mat, and he moves straight into mount. Salikhov turns to the side and ends up giving up his back, and Dalby gets a hook in and drapes his arm around the chest. Salikhov turns enough to free himself from a hook, and Dalby traps Salikhov’s left leg while turning the torso. Dalby nearly has a twister set up, and he threatens with a choke that transitions from a rear-naked choke to an arm-triangle choke. This is a means to an end, as Dalby steps over into half guard and looks for ground-and-pound. Salikhov explodes back to his feet with a minute to go, and Dalby presses on the Russian when standing up and knees him a few times. Dalby fishes for a trip with his foot, and Salikhov breaks away with an elbow. Dalby chases after him with a head kick, and Salikhov replies with one and falls to his knees. The round ends as Dalby jumps on top.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Dalby
Edwin Ayala scores the round: 10-9 Dalby
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Dalby
Round 3
Dalby picks up where he left off, with a head kick attempt. Salikhov backs away and holds his arms high to block it and one that follows, but he cannot stop a few punches from Dalby. The Danish fighter attempts a third head kick, and he races forward to either change levels or settle for a clinch. Salikhov looks to muscle out, but Dalby turns him back to the wall, as Salikhov appears frustrated. Dalby grinds and works the body with several active knees, until Salikhov breaks away and gets to striking range. Dalby rushes after him and spears the Russian with a right hand and looks for a head kick. Salikhov is not fazed by the blows, and he jams his foot into Dalby’s midsection. Dalby punches his way into a clinch, but he cannot hold Salikhov there for long. Salikhov escapes, and he rushes backwards. Dalby practically sprints at him, tossing up a head kick and a right hand before engaging in the tie-up once more. When Salikhov drags them away from the cage, Dalby elbows him several times before kneeing him and pushing him to the fencing. Dalby slips a punch over the top and does not lose his clinch grip, and they both give one another mean elbows on the chin. Dalby slings a high kick, and he re-engages Salikhov before dragging him to his knee. Dalby jumps into mount with a little under 15 seconds left, and he beats down on Salikhov with hammerfists and an elbow until the final horn blares.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Dalby (29-28 Dalby)
Edwin Ayala scores the round: 10-9 Dalby (29-28 Dalby)
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Dalby (29-28 Dalby)
The Official Result
Nicolas Dalby def. Muslim Salikhov via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
Angelo has a slight lean to Muslim Salikhov because he has better wrestling, but he calls this a 50/50 fight. Both are older strikers with traditional martial arts backgrounds. Dalby's 65% takedown defense could be a factor. Angelo is waiting for props to drop and is not betting the moneyline.
Big Brady picks Nicolas Dalby to win by decision, but he is low on both fighters. He criticizes Salikhov for low volume, poor cardio, and being 39 years old. Dalby is slightly younger and showed high volume in his last fight against Warlley Alves, landing 119 strikes. Brady thinks Dalby can push Salikhov against the cage, tire him out, and be more active. He notes Dalby has never been knocked out and is very tough. However, he admits he is very low on both guys and this is not an exciting fight.
Cody has a tough time reading this fight. He notes Salikhov is a low-volume counter puncher with heavy power, and that opponents often freeze up against him. He thinks Dalby's wrestling is not good enough to take Salikhov down, and if Dalby tries to out-volume him, he risks walking into a big shot. Cody leans Salikhov to land the better strikes and possibly get a knockout, but he doesn't want much exposure. He likes Salikhov by knockout at +240.
Connor picks Dalby, citing his grinding approach as effective against a fighter like Salikhov who needs space. He notes that Salikhov has not been tested by wrestling since Alex Garcia, and Dalby's physicality should be a problem. Connor sees Dalby muscling his way to a win.
Daniel Levi picks Muslim Salikhov, citing a significant firepower advantage and Salikhov's ability to land damaging shots. He notes Dalby's history of being dropped and his lower volume, while Salikhov can knock him out. He gives the cardio edge to Dalby but thinks Salikhov's power will be decisive. He has a good betting history with Salikhov and plans to bet him as long as the line stays under -200.
Dalby has a speed and athleticism advantage, a good output game, and decent takedowns to mix in. Salikhov is one-dimensional with a kung fu striking style and has shown durability issues. Dalby's awkward striking and volume should outwork Salikhov over three rounds. However, Dalby's durability is a slight concern. Dalby wins by decision.
Paul agrees with Cody, noting that Dalby's pitter-patter striking won't work against Salikhov, who hits hard. He points out that Dalby has been knocked down by lesser fighters and that Salikhov's power is a real threat. Paul sees Salikhov by knockout at +240 as a potential small bet, though he wishes the price were higher.
The MMA Guru picks Muslim Salikhov over Nicolas Dalby, stating Salikhov is simply better. He notes Dalby lacks finishing potential, submission ability, and great grappling, while Salikhov has momentum and can finish or win a decision. He mentions Dalby was KO'd by Jesse Ronson, and expects Salikhov to catch Dalby with a right hand.
Zane picks Dalby because he believes Dalby's grinding pressure will overwhelm Salikhov. He notes that Salikhov is a sniper who needs time and space, and that Dalby's high output and physicality will not allow that. Zane acknowledges Salikhov could crack Dalby early, but favors Dalby's consistency.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Muslim Salikhov | 0 | 17 of 66 | 25% | 29 of 80 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:20 |
| André Fialho | 0 | 56 of 95 | 58% | 77 of 123 | 1 of 3 | 33% | 0 | 0 | 3:07 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Muslim Salikhov | 0 | 11 of 38 | 28% | 20 of 49 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:20 |
| André Fialho | 0 | 11 of 22 | 50% | 19 of 35 | 1 of 3 | 33% | 0 | 0 | 1:19 | |
| 2 | Muslim Salikhov | 0 | 5 of 18 | 27% | 7 of 20 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| André Fialho | 0 | 37 of 57 | 64% | 50 of 72 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 1:48 | |
| 3 | Muslim Salikhov | 0 | 1 of 10 | 10% | 2 of 11 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| André Fialho | 0 | 8 of 16 | 50% | 8 of 16 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Muslim Salikhov | 17 of 66 | 25% | 10 of 55 | 4 of 6 | 3 of 5 | 14 of 60 | 3 of 6 | 0 of 0 |
| André Fialho | 56 of 95 | 58% | 38 of 70 | 14 of 21 | 4 of 4 | 35 of 60 | 3 of 8 | 18 of 27 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Muslim Salikhov | 11 of 38 | 28% | 6 of 29 | 3 of 5 | 2 of 4 | 8 of 34 | 3 of 4 | 0 of 0 |
| André Fialho | 11 of 22 | 50% | 5 of 12 | 2 of 6 | 4 of 4 | 9 of 17 | 1 of 4 | 1 of 1 | |
| 2 | Muslim Salikhov | 5 of 18 | 27% | 3 of 16 | 1 of 1 | 1 of 1 | 5 of 18 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| André Fialho | 37 of 57 | 64% | 28 of 47 | 9 of 10 | 0 of 0 | 18 of 28 | 2 of 3 | 17 of 26 | |
| 3 | Muslim Salikhov | 1 of 10 | 10% | 1 of 10 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 8 | 0 of 2 | 0 of 0 |
| André Fialho | 8 of 16 | 50% | 5 of 11 | 3 of 5 | 0 of 0 | 8 of 15 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Fialho (-110), Salikhov (-110)
Round 1
Striker faces striker in what has slotted itself in the “featured fight of the night” spot, although their approaches could scarcely be more different even if the end result is the same. The heavy-handed Portugal native Fialho (16-5, 1 NC; 2-2 UFC) will throw down with a spinning specialist nicknamed “King of Kung Fu” in Salikhov (18-3, 5-2 UFC), and referee Chris Tognoni will have his hands full here. The respect is ample with a clap of hands to begin the scheduled melee, and Salikhov strikes first with a calf kick. Fialho responds with two. A front kick from the Dagestan native pushes Fialho back as Fialho delivers a third kick to the lead leg. Fialho gets his balance and leaps forward with a left hook, but it hits the guard of his opponent. Fialho looks to sweep the leg, and Salikhov responds with his own low kick. A left hand from Salikhov splits the guard, and he sits down on a loud low kick to follow. The tense striking match largely consists of single-shot offerings, and Salikhov spins with a wheel kick but misses the mark. Fialho slips a winging right hand and drives Salikhov back with a straight left hand, and he finds the mark with an uppercut shortly thereafter. Salikhov absorbs a right hand and spins with a back kick, and he surprisingly grabs hold of Fialho’s leg and drags him down to the floor. Salikhov wades into the closed guard of his opponent, and Fialho defends with hacking elbows off his back. The fighter from Portugal defends himself from danger as he swats at Salikhov while on his back, and he jumps up and absorbs a spinning back kick right to the midsection. Fialho drives a right hand into the eye socket, and Salikhov blinks it out and swelling develops quickly. Fialho blasts him with an uppercut, with Salikhov grabbing hold of his foe and ramming a few knees to the midsection to slow Fialho down. Fialho settles for a clinch as he gets his back turned to the wall, and he frees himself right as the horn blares.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Fialho
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Salikhov
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Fialho
Round 2
The gloves are touched to start off the second round, and within seconds, Salikhov bull-rushes forward to get a body lock and attempt a takedown. Fialho turns around and protects against a subsequent single, and this too fails from the Russian. Fialho lands a right hand on the break, but Salikhov replies with a kick to the liver. A left hand wraps around the guard of the Portugal native, and Salikhov gets on his bike and takes potshots of front kicks and reaching punches. Fialho prepares himself to take a flush spinning back kick as he plods forward, with his offense falling off a cliff while Salikhov is still swinging for the fences. Salikhov jabs the body and stays light on his feet, and Fialho returns fire with a jab and a low kick. “King of Kung Fu” spins with a back fist that pounds into the side of the head, and Fialho wobbles and takes a clean spinning wheel kick on the neck as well. Fialho bites down on his mouthpiece and throws hammers, leading to Salikhov clinching him up and pursuing some form of takedown. Fialho takes several punches on the chin as he slowly walks forward, still offensively muted as Salikhov picks and rips with single effective strikes. Salikhov is able to put a front kick on the body and a superman punch on the side of the head, and Fialho’s balance is shot as he swings so hard that he falls down to the ground. The Russian looks to finish the job by raining down a long series of powerful hammerfists, and Tognoni implores Fialho to fight back or show some signs of life. Salikhov slows down and makes sure not to fully gas himself out, and the damage on Fialho's face shows his nose is busted up and leaking crimson fluid on the mat. The ground strikes continue until the bell rings.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-8 Salikhov
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-8 Salikhov
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-8 Salikhov
Round 3
The final round begins with an aggressive Fialho, who leaps forward to swing his fists at his opponent. Salikhov hops and springs away from the brunt of the damaging strikes, and he chambers and fires a high kick. Salikhov spins with a perfect spinning back kick to the body, and Fialho falls back against the wall but does not go down. He leans back and allows Salikhov to advance, and he might be playing possum as he suddenly springs to action with huge punches in response.
“King of Kung Fu” showcases his skills to the finest with a magnificent spinning wheel kick that smashes into the side of Fialho’s head, and Fialho clutches his head and is in a bad way. Tognoni thinks about intervening, but allows Salikhov to bludgeon Fialho with a couple more punches before stepping in for the standing TKO.
Fialho immediately protests the stoppage, but his body language before the finish was anything but positive as he was getting destroyed by the flashier striker. For the fifth time in his career, Salikhov has pulled off a finish with a spinning kick, with this one bigger than any he had registered in the past.
The Official Result
Muslim Salikhov def. Andre Fialho R3 1:03 via TKO (Spinning Wheel Kick and Punches)
Uroš Medić - Fight History
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Geoff Neal | 0 | 3 of 10 | 30% | 3 of 10 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Uroš Medić | 1 | 10 of 19 | 52% | 10 of 19 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Geoff Neal | 0 | 3 of 10 | 30% | 3 of 10 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Uroš Medić | 1 | 10 of 19 | 52% | 10 of 19 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Geoff Neal | 3 of 10 | 30% | 1 of 6 | 1 of 3 | 1 of 1 | 3 of 10 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Uroš Medić | 10 of 19 | 52% | 4 of 10 | 6 of 9 | 0 of 0 | 10 of 19 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Geoff Neal | 3 of 10 | 30% | 1 of 6 | 1 of 3 | 1 of 1 | 3 of 10 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Uroš Medić | 10 of 19 | 52% | 4 of 10 | 6 of 9 | 0 of 0 | 10 of 19 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Angelo picks Geoff Neal despite recent knockout loss, citing his overall experience and well-rounded skill set. He acknowledges Uroš Medić's power and finishing ability but notes Medić's questionable chin. He is hesitant because Neal is 35 and coming off a KO, but believes Neal is the better fighter.
Big Brady picks Geoff Neal to defeat Uroš Medić, citing Medić's suspect chin and Neal's heavy hands. He notes that Medić has been dropped by lesser punchers like Gilbert Urbina, while Neal hits like a truck. He predicts a first-round knockout, possibly requiring a stretcher for Medić. He acknowledges Neal was knocked out in his last fight but calls that a fluke spinning elbow that would KO most of the division.
Cody buys into Neal's sobriety narrative and thinks this is his easiest fight in a while. He notes Medić is an under machine who either finishes or gets finished, and expects Neal to win by KO early. He recommends under 1.5 rounds.
Connor picks Neal confidently, stating that Medić is a glass cannon who gets hurt easily and sells out on his shots, leaving him vulnerable to counters. He notes that Neal has been tested against much better competition and has always been competitive, while Medić's wins have aged poorly. He believes Neal's composure and athleticism will be too much for Medić.
The host rules out betting on Neal due to red flags from an interview where Neal discussed past issues with drugs, alcohol, and diet, making him unreliable at -225. He is tempted by Medic as a +178 underdog, noting Medic's dynamic striking and power, but passes because Medic has slowed in past fights and Neal has excellent cardio. He concludes it's an easy pass on both sides.
James picks Geoff Neal to win by first-round KO, citing Neal's experience against elite competition and the step down in competition for Medic. He notes that Medic is volatile and prone to getting knocked out early, and that Neal's power and boxing should be enough to finish him. James also likes the under 1.5 rounds and doesn't go to decision props.
Neal is a crafty striker with good power and range management, and he has fought tougher competition. Medic is a Muay Thai specialist but has durability issues and poor grappling defense. Neal should be able to land a big shot and finish Medic, likely in the first round. The line is fair given Neal's experience and home crowd.
Paul thinks Neal's step up in competition is significant and that Medić's chin is suspect. He notes Neal has fought top welterweights and held his own, while Medić has been knocked out by lesser opponents. He expects Neal to win by KO, possibly in the first round.
The MMA Guru hesitantly picks Geoff Neal, despite concerns about his chin and motivation after a KO loss. He believes Medić makes mistakes and is explosive but can be caught coming in. He predicts Neal will find a way to put Medić away in round two after Medić expends his energy.
Zane agrees with Connor, calling Medić a 'one hitter quitter' who is extremely vulnerable on the counter. He notes that Medić has no defense and gets hurt easily, even in fights he wins. He believes Neal is significantly better in the pocket and should be able to weather Medić's early power and then take over.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Muslim Salikhov | 0 | 2 of 5 | 40% | 2 of 5 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Uroš Medić | 1 | 8 of 13 | 61% | 9 of 14 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:05 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Muslim Salikhov | 0 | 2 of 5 | 40% | 2 of 5 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Uroš Medić | 1 | 8 of 13 | 61% | 9 of 14 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:05 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Muslim Salikhov | 2 of 5 | 40% | 0 of 1 | 0 of 1 | 2 of 3 | 2 of 5 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Uroš Medić | 8 of 13 | 61% | 5 of 9 | 3 of 3 | 0 of 1 | 5 of 9 | 0 of 0 | 3 of 4 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Muslim Salikhov | 2 of 5 | 40% | 0 of 1 | 0 of 1 | 2 of 3 | 2 of 5 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Uroš Medić | 8 of 13 | 61% | 5 of 9 | 3 of 3 | 0 of 1 | 5 of 9 | 0 of 0 | 3 of 4 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Medic (-180); Salikhov (+150)
Round 1
If rankings and relevant pairings do not litter the lineup, at least the matchmakers have lined up a few bangers. At 41, Salikhov (22-5, 9-4 UFC) may be looking as good as ever, with three wins in a row including two knockouts making his twilight years quite something. He will have to contend with brick-fisted Serb Medic (11-3, 5-3 UFC), who has come from Alaska to train down in California at Kings MMA. The two welterweights will be joined in the Octagon by referee Kerry Hatley, who has already donned his proverbial hard hat, fully cognizant that this one could be a doozey. There is a touch of gloves to open things up.
Medic tries early to swat away Salikhov’s staging left hand, stomping his way forward to threaten with strikes to the lead knee. Both men lash out with blows at the same time, and they need some time before re-engaging. They kick simultaneously, with Medic putting a scare in the Dagestan native by going upstairs. Medic tosses one out with his other leg, wrapping it around the back of the Russian’s melon.
Salikhov has to back off, and Medic rifles off a straight left hand that puts Salikhov on his seat. Salikhov tries to scoot around to grab hold of the leg of “The Doctor,” but Medic slams him in the side of the head with his angry Alaskan fist a few times until Salikhov shells up.
Hatley sees that Salikhov has physically surrendered at that point and steps in to save the Russian from any further harm. That is two knockouts in a row for Medic right around one minute, as he iced Gilbert Urbina in August in 63 seconds. The 100% finish rate remains intact as well, as Medic calls for bigger opportunities in the future.
The Official Result
Uros Medic def. Muslim Salikhov R1 1:03 via TKO (Punches)
Angelo picks Uros Medic because he is younger, faster, and more technical, but he is not confident. He notes that Muslim Salikhov hits extremely hard and has wrestling, making him a phenomenal underdog. He acknowledges that Medic was almost finished by Gilbert Urbina, which raises concerns about his chin.
Big Brady has a hot take predicting Salikhov wins by spinning wheel kick knockout in the first round. He highlights Salikhov's patented spinning wheel kick, which he has used to knock out multiple opponents, including Carlos Leia. He questions Medić's durability, noting he got knocked down by Gilbert Urbina, which is a bad sign. He expects an early knockout.
Cody picks Salikhov, noting his power and counter-striking ability. He thinks Medić's aggressive, forward-moving style plays into Salikhov's hands, and that Salikhov will land a knockout early.
Lucrative James picks Muslim Salikhov despite acknowledging the volatility of the matchup. He notes Salikhov's higher level of competition and experience, as well as his recent training camp improvements. However, he admits both fighters have poor chins and heavy hands, making it a coin flip. He predicts Salikhov wins by knockout in round one, but also considers betting on the under or 'doesn't go to decision'.
The host expects a firecracker fight and loves the under 1.5 rounds. He believes Medic will snipe Salikhov from distance and win by knockout within five minutes.
Paul also picks Salikhov, calling the fight a 'car crash' and expecting a knockout. He likes the plus money on the older fighter and thinks Medić's durability issues will be exposed.
The Guru picks Muslim Salikhov to win by first-round KO. He believes Uroš Medić is too easily hit and erratic, lunging in with punches, while Salikhov has powerful spinning attacks and counters. He expects Salikhov to catch Medić coming in and finish him early.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uroš Medić | 1 | 5 of 9 | 55% | 6 of 10 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:01 |
| Gilbert Urbina | 1 | 5 of 10 | 50% | 5 of 10 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:02 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Uroš Medić | 1 | 5 of 9 | 55% | 6 of 10 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:01 |
| Gilbert Urbina | 1 | 5 of 10 | 50% | 5 of 10 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:02 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uroš Medić | 5 of 9 | 55% | 4 of 8 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 3 of 7 | 1 of 1 | 1 of 1 |
| Gilbert Urbina | 5 of 10 | 50% | 3 of 7 | 1 of 2 | 1 of 1 | 5 of 10 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Uroš Medić | 5 of 9 | 55% | 4 of 8 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 3 of 7 | 1 of 1 | 1 of 1 |
| Gilbert Urbina | 5 of 10 | 50% | 3 of 7 | 1 of 2 | 1 of 1 | 5 of 10 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Angelo picks Uroš Medić but hates the odds at -350. He notes Medić is a technical striker with 100% finish rate and killer instinct, but his takedown defense is low. Gilbert Urbina is a grappler with high output but poor striking defense. Angelo thinks Medić will win because strikers are having more success, but the odds are too wide for his liking.
Big Brady is confident in Uroš Medić, citing his 100% finish rate and legitimate striking power. He criticizes Gilbert Urbina's chin, noting he was dropped multiple times by Tawn Gore and knocked out by Charles Raki. Brady believes Medić is a much better striker than Raki and will knock out Urbina early. He predicts a first-round knockout for Medić.
Connor picks Urbina because he thinks Medić's game has been figured out after getting wrecked a few times, and Urbina might not give him respect. He notes Urbina's cage wrestling and good riding skills from his win over Cosce.
Despite not being a big fan of Medic, the host sees this as a winnable fight and expects it to be violent. He thinks Medic will consistently crash the pocket and produce car crashes that could result in a finish, leading him to pick Medic by knockout.
The MMA Guru picks Uroš Medić over Gilbert Urbina, noting that Urbina's height is likely misreported and he lacks presence. He believes Medić has better offensive skills and finishing potential, and that his losses are to higher-level opponents. He predicts a TKO win for Medić.
Zane picks Medić because he is dynamic on the front foot and fast, and Urbina is not a pressure fighter. He notes Medić's tendency to put himself in bad positions but thinks Urbina will give him early opportunities.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Punahele Soriano | 1 | 13 of 17 | 76% | 13 of 17 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:04 |
| Uroš Medić | 0 | 2 of 3 | 66% | 2 of 3 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Punahele Soriano | 1 | 13 of 17 | 76% | 13 of 17 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:04 |
| Uroš Medić | 0 | 2 of 3 | 66% | 2 of 3 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Punahele Soriano | 13 of 17 | 76% | 12 of 16 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 1 | 5 of 8 | 0 of 0 | 8 of 9 |
| Uroš Medić | 2 of 3 | 66% | 1 of 2 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 2 of 3 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Punahele Soriano | 13 of 17 | 76% | 12 of 16 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 1 | 5 of 8 | 0 of 0 | 8 of 9 |
| Uroš Medić | 2 of 3 | 66% | 1 of 2 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 2 of 3 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Angelo picks Uroš Medić, citing his superior striking, speed, and power. He notes that Punahele Soriano's only path to victory is wrestling, but Medić's takedown defense is a concern. However, he believes Medić is the better striker and will land clean shots. He has Medić in a parlay with César Almeida, though he expresses some nervousness about the bet.
Big Brady sees a clear path for Soriano: take Medić down. He notes Medić's takedown defense and ground game are questionable, and Soriano looked dominant at welterweight against Baeza, landing 331 strikes. He worries Soriano might strike instead of wrestle, but believes if he uses his wrestling, he can win by TKO or decision. He picks Soriano to win, possibly by TKO via ground and pound.
Cody picks Medić, questioning Soriano's one good performance at 170 against a shot Miguel Baeza. He believes Medić's power and pace will cause Soriano to fatigue. He notes Medić's finishing ability and Soriano's history of gassing.
Connor picks Soriano because he believes Soriano's wrestling and physicality will be effective at welterweight. He notes that Soriano showed a grinding game against Miguel Baeza, and Medić is bad at dealing with sustained pressure and takedowns. While Soriano is uncreative and has shown little improvement, Connor thinks his size and strength advantage will allow him to control the fight. He acknowledges it's not a smart pick but sees a path.
Daniel notes Medić is more technically sound on the feet with better volume and diversity, while Soriano has big power in his left hand but shaky in-between and cardio concerns at welterweight. He thinks Medić will win the minutes, but Soriano could land a big shot or use wrestling. He picks Medić but is not interested in betting.
Lucrative James picks Uroš Medić to win, citing Medić's superior striking and cleaner kickboxing. He acknowledges Soriano's wrestling advantage and power, but believes Medić's skill on the feet will prevail over three rounds. He notes Soriano's cardio issues and that Medić has decent takedown defense. He also mentions that Soriano moved down from 185 and Medić moved up from 155, but still favors Medić's higher ceiling.
Soriano is a solid wrestler as shown in his welterweight debut against Miguel Baeza. He will get to his grappling, keep Medić on his back, and grind out a decision win as long as he doesn't get finished early.
Paul picks Soriano as a plus-money underdog, citing his impressive wrestling at 170 in his last fight. He expects fireworks and has bet under 1.5 rounds. He acknowledges Medić's danger but likes Soriano's path via takedowns.
The Guru picks Medić, noting his size as a big lightweight at welterweight, his KO of Tim Means, and his better technique and speed. He criticizes Soriano's recent performances, including losses to Dustin Stoltzfus and a poor showing against Miguel Baeza. He predicts an early TKO for Medić.
Zane picks Medić because he is a more dangerous finisher and expects Soriano to struggle to impose his game plan. Medić's movement and kicks could frustrate Soriano, who is hittable and plotting. Zane notes that Soriano's win over Baeza was more about Baeza's poor performance than Soriano's skill. Medić's ability to keep the fight in open space and avoid being clinched gives him the edge.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uroš Medić | 0 | 7 of 17 | 41% | 10 of 21 | 0 of 3 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 1:18 |
| Tim Means | 1 | 7 of 12 | 58% | 11 of 16 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:04 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Uroš Medić | 0 | 7 of 17 | 41% | 10 of 21 | 0 of 3 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 1:18 |
| Tim Means | 1 | 7 of 12 | 58% | 11 of 16 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:04 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uroš Medić | 7 of 17 | 41% | 1 of 10 | 5 of 6 | 1 of 1 | 5 of 14 | 2 of 3 | 0 of 0 |
| Tim Means | 7 of 12 | 58% | 5 of 10 | 1 of 1 | 1 of 1 | 5 of 9 | 1 of 2 | 1 of 1 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Uroš Medić | 7 of 17 | 41% | 1 of 10 | 5 of 6 | 1 of 1 | 5 of 14 | 2 of 3 | 0 of 0 |
| Tim Means | 7 of 12 | 58% | 5 of 10 | 1 of 1 | 1 of 1 | 5 of 9 | 1 of 2 | 1 of 1 |
Angelo is very confident Uroš Medić wins, citing his youth, speed, power, and superior striking. He notes Medić has a 100% finish rate and killer instinct. The only concern is Medić's 46% takedown defense, but he thinks Tim Means at 40 years old may not be able to exploit it. He expects a finish and suggests waiting for prop bets, hoping for a 2.5 round line to bet the under.
Cody picks Means as a dog, citing his experience and cleaner striking. He notes Means' body work and straight left, and believes he can hurt Medić, who has been rocked before. However, he admits Means' age and cardio are concerns, making it a doger pass.
Daniel thinks Means is durable but at 40 may not dig deep when hurt. He notes Medić is younger, more dangerous, and showed heart in the Semelsberger fight. He leans Medić but won't bet at -310, though he might take Means as a dog if the price gets better.
Medić is younger, faster, and more powerful. Means is 40 with a lot of mileage. Medić's Muay Thai and power should overwhelm Means as the fight goes on. I expect Medić to finish Means, possibly by knockout. The inside distance prop is a good option.
Paul also picks Means, highlighting his experience against better competition and his opportunistic submission game. He thinks Means' grappling advantage could be key, as Medić has poor takedown defense. He calls it a clear doger pass.
The MMA Guru picks Uroš Medić, calling him more explosive and dangerous on the feet. He criticizes Tim Means as hitting a veteran decline and notes his loss to Matt Semelsberger. He highlights Medić's good cardio and nasty body kicks, predicting a TKO via liver shot. He also mentions Medić's near-finish of Orolbai and his ability to handle Means' grinding style.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Myktybek Orolbai | 0 | 14 of 27 | 51% | 17 of 32 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:02 |
| Uroš Medić | 0 | 8 of 20 | 40% | 16 of 31 | 7 of 10 | 70% | 1 | 0 | 7:26 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Myktybek Orolbai | 0 | 14 of 25 | 56% | 15 of 28 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:02 |
| Uroš Medić | 0 | 5 of 13 | 38% | 6 of 14 | 5 of 8 | 62% | 0 | 0 | 3:49 | |
| 2 | Myktybek Orolbai | 0 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 2 of 4 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Uroš Medić | 0 | 3 of 7 | 42% | 10 of 17 | 2 of 2 | 100% | 1 | 0 | 3:37 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Myktybek Orolbai | 14 of 27 | 51% | 10 of 20 | 4 of 7 | 0 of 0 | 5 of 14 | 8 of 12 | 1 of 1 |
| Uroš Medić | 8 of 20 | 40% | 6 of 16 | 0 of 0 | 2 of 4 | 3 of 8 | 1 of 1 | 4 of 11 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Myktybek Orolbai | 14 of 25 | 56% | 10 of 20 | 4 of 5 | 0 of 0 | 5 of 12 | 8 of 12 | 1 of 1 |
| Uroš Medić | 5 of 13 | 38% | 4 of 11 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 2 | 1 of 3 | 1 of 1 | 3 of 9 | |
| 2 | Myktybek Orolbai | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 of 0 | 0 of 2 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 2 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Uroš Medić | 3 of 7 | 42% | 2 of 5 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 2 | 2 of 5 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 2 |
Angelo picks Uroš Medić, expecting his technical striking and patience to light up the brawler Johnny Parsons. He notes Medić has speed, footwork, and a killer instinct. He warns that Parsons is always live for a knockout but does not think he will find it here.
Big Brady was impressed with Orolbai's skills but notes he's coming in on short notice, which affects his cardio for a wrestling-heavy game plan. He thinks Medić is dangerous, has shown three-round cardio, and can finish fights late. He picks Medić by third-round knockout, but says on a full camp he would pick Orolbai. He doesn't see himself betting this fight.
Cody does not make a clear pick due to lack of information on Orolbai. He notes the fight was added late and he hasn't studied it. He mentions Orolbai looks like a 'bad man' but is on short notice. He leans towards passing or taking the favorite but is uncertain.
Orolbai has relentless grappling and crushing top pressure, with improved striking leading to knockouts. Medić is a striker with questionable ground game. Orolbai will dictate the pace with wrestling, land big shots, and find a finish in the second round. The fight doesn't go to decision is a favorite prop.
Paul also does not make a clear pick, stating he hasn't looked into Orolbai enough. He mentions Medić's toughness and power but cannot confidently pick a side. He suggests the fight will be violent but passes on betting.
The MMA Guru picks Uroš Medić to finish Myktybek Orolbai with a body kick. He notes Medić's size at welterweight and his win over Matthew Semelsberger, where he survived a knockdown and finished him in the third round at altitude. He criticizes Orolbai for making Danny Roberts look competitive and believes Medić's reach and height advantage will lead to a finish.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uroš Medić | 1 | 52 of 120 | 43% | 53 of 121 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 1:13 |
| Matthew Semelsberger | 1 | 69 of 128 | 53% | 76 of 135 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 0:22 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Uroš Medić | 1 | 17 of 36 | 47% | 18 of 37 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:54 |
| Matthew Semelsberger | 0 | 18 of 31 | 58% | 19 of 32 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 0:19 | |
| 2 | Uroš Medić | 0 | 24 of 58 | 41% | 24 of 58 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Matthew Semelsberger | 0 | 25 of 55 | 45% | 26 of 56 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 3 | Uroš Medić | 0 | 11 of 26 | 42% | 11 of 26 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:19 |
| Matthew Semelsberger | 1 | 26 of 42 | 61% | 31 of 47 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:03 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uroš Medić | 52 of 120 | 43% | 31 of 91 | 8 of 14 | 13 of 15 | 42 of 106 | 3 of 5 | 7 of 9 |
| Matthew Semelsberger | 69 of 128 | 53% | 49 of 98 | 17 of 27 | 3 of 3 | 50 of 104 | 13 of 18 | 6 of 6 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Uroš Medić | 17 of 36 | 47% | 10 of 29 | 5 of 5 | 2 of 2 | 9 of 25 | 1 of 2 | 7 of 9 |
| Matthew Semelsberger | 18 of 31 | 58% | 12 of 22 | 5 of 8 | 1 of 1 | 13 of 24 | 5 of 7 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Uroš Medić | 24 of 58 | 41% | 12 of 40 | 3 of 8 | 9 of 10 | 23 of 57 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
| Matthew Semelsberger | 25 of 55 | 45% | 16 of 43 | 7 of 10 | 2 of 2 | 24 of 53 | 1 of 2 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Uroš Medić | 11 of 26 | 42% | 9 of 22 | 0 of 1 | 2 of 3 | 10 of 24 | 1 of 2 | 0 of 0 |
| Matthew Semelsberger | 26 of 42 | 61% | 21 of 33 | 5 of 9 | 0 of 0 | 13 of 27 | 7 of 9 | 6 of 6 |
Angelo picks Semelsberger because he believes Semelsberger has enough chin to weather Medić's striking and can then work in his grappling advantage. He notes that Semelsberger has solid leg kicks, body work, and power, but can be sloppy. He trusts Semelsberger to close the gap and drag the fight into later rounds, where his grappling should take over. He already placed a half-unit bet at -150.
Big Brady picks Matthew Semelsberger to win by second-round knockout. He argues that Semelsberger has more paths to victory: better durability, cardio, wrestling, and grappling, plus massive power (nine knockdowns in eight fights). He expects Medić, coming up in weight on short notice at elevation, to fade after an early onslaught, and Semelsberger's chin will hold up to finish him.
Cody picks Semelsberger but is hesitant at -200. He notes Medić's power and early finishing ability but questions his cardio. Semelsberger has good volume and takedown defense issues but can survive early onslaughts. He suggests a live bet on Semelsberger if he survives the first round.
James believes Medić is a cleaner striker with better timing and technique, while Semelsberger has more power but an elite chin that may eventually crack. He notes the line has moved heavily toward Semelsberger, creating value on Medić as an underdog. He thinks the fight is fairly even and that Medić's striking prowess gives him the edge.
Semelsberger has more knockdowns than fights and his forward pressure and power punching will be too much for Medić. Medić is a glass cannon with a hand injury history and doesn't have the grappling to exploit Semelsberger's weakness. Semelsberger will land a big punch and knock him out. Fight doesn't go to decision is a great play.
Paul also picks Semelsberger, citing his superior cardio and volume. He notes Medić's limited cardio and tendency to fade after the first round. Semelsberger has faced wrestlers and power punchers but has shown durability. He advises a live bet if Medić doesn't finish early.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uroš Medić | 0 | 33 of 85 | 38% | 33 of 85 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Omar Morales | 2 | 47 of 86 | 54% | 47 of 86 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:02 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Uroš Medić | 0 | 17 of 52 | 32% | 17 of 52 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Omar Morales | 0 | 24 of 50 | 48% | 24 of 50 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 2 | Uroš Medić | 0 | 16 of 33 | 48% | 16 of 33 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Omar Morales | 2 | 23 of 36 | 63% | 23 of 36 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:02 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Uroš Medić | 33 of 85 | 38% | 18 of 64 | 8 of 14 | 7 of 7 | 32 of 82 | 1 of 3 | 0 of 0 |
| Omar Morales | 47 of 86 | 54% | 21 of 57 | 13 of 16 | 13 of 13 | 45 of 83 | 2 of 3 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Uroš Medić | 17 of 52 | 32% | 6 of 37 | 7 of 11 | 4 of 4 | 17 of 51 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
| Omar Morales | 24 of 50 | 48% | 11 of 35 | 8 of 10 | 5 of 5 | 23 of 48 | 1 of 2 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Uroš Medić | 16 of 33 | 48% | 12 of 27 | 1 of 3 | 3 of 3 | 15 of 31 | 1 of 2 | 0 of 0 |
| Omar Morales | 23 of 36 | 63% | 10 of 22 | 5 of 6 | 8 of 8 | 22 of 35 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
Angelo picks Omar Morales because he believes Morales's strength and ability to mix in grappling will be the difference. He notes that Uroš Medić is a kill-or-be-killed first-round striker who has shown poor grappling defense. Morales needs to survive the first round and work takedowns to avoid danger. Angelo expects a decision win for Morales.
Big Brady picks Omar Morales to win by second-round submission, but expresses low confidence due to Morales' poor fight IQ. He notes Morales has a BJJ black belt and should take the fight to the mat to exploit Medić's weak ground game and cardio. However, he worries Morales might stand and trade, which would give Medić a knockout chance. He says he cannot trust Morales at -160.
Cody picks Morales, citing his durability, experience, and return to lightweight where he performed best. He notes Medić's tendency to fade after the first round and lack of deep fight experience. He expects Morales to weather an early storm and take over as Medić tires, possibly winning by decision or late finish.
The host does not make a clear pick for this fight. He mentions it as a potential live bet spot (Medic after round one) and includes it in a totals parlay (under 2.5 rounds), but does not state a winner.
Paul agrees with Cody, saying Morales' durability and return to lightweight should be key. He notes Medić's early explosiveness but thinks Morales can survive and take over. He is confident in Morales.
The MMA Guru picks Omar Morales, citing his toughness and durability. He worries about Uroš Medić's cardio and thinks Morales can survive the early storm and take over in later rounds. He notes Morales has a reach advantage and can pressure Medić in the second and third rounds. He predicts a 29-28 unanimous decision for Morales.
Expert Picks (7)
Angelo picks Uros Medic because he is younger, faster, and more technical, but he is not confident. He notes that Muslim Salikhov hits extremely hard and has wrestling, making him a phenomenal underdog. He acknowledges that Medic was almost finished by Gilbert Urbina, which raises concerns about his chin.
Big Brady has a hot take predicting Salikhov wins by spinning wheel kick knockout in the first round. He highlights Salikhov's patented spinning wheel kick, which he has used to knock out multiple opponents, including Carlos Leia. He questions Medić's durability, noting he got knocked down by Gilbert Urbina, which is a bad sign. He expects an early knockout.
Cody picks Salikhov, noting his power and counter-striking ability. He thinks Medić's aggressive, forward-moving style plays into Salikhov's hands, and that Salikhov will land a knockout early.
Lucrative James picks Muslim Salikhov despite acknowledging the volatility of the matchup. He notes Salikhov's higher level of competition and experience, as well as his recent training camp improvements. However, he admits both fighters have poor chins and heavy hands, making it a coin flip. He predicts Salikhov wins by knockout in round one, but also considers betting on the under or 'doesn't go to decision'.
The host expects a firecracker fight and loves the under 1.5 rounds. He believes Medic will snipe Salikhov from distance and win by knockout within five minutes.
Paul also picks Salikhov, calling the fight a 'car crash' and expecting a knockout. He likes the plus money on the older fighter and thinks Medić's durability issues will be exposed.
The Guru picks Muslim Salikhov to win by first-round KO. He believes Uroš Medić is too easily hit and erratic, lunging in with punches, while Salikhov has powerful spinning attacks and counters. He expects Salikhov to catch Medić coming in and finish him early.
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