MACAU, CHINA – NOVEMBER 23: Russia’s Muslim Salikhov defeats China’s Song Kenan in a welterweight bout during the UFC Fight Night event on November 23, 2024 at Galaxy Arena in Macau, China. hit. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC)
Chinese welterweight Song Kenan faced veteran Muslim Salikhov on Saturday at UFC Macau.
Both fighters had singles victory nights. In their previous bouts, Kennan defeated Ricky Glenn and Salikhov defeated Santiago Ponzinibbio.
Salikhov is 40 years old and in his 12th fight in the UFC. In order for the self-proclaimed “Kung Fu King” to defeat Kenan in his hometown, he must achieve victory in enemy territory.
Early on, each fighter carefully measured the other, with Salikhov landing a spinning back kick to the body. Kennan fired a powerful straight right that sent Salikhov back to the fence. As he made his way to the cage, Salikhov was hit with a knee to the groin, briefly halting the action.
Salikhov moved the fight back to the center and hit the lead left hook. What happened next was beautiful. The unofficial Olympic gold medalist in Sanda timed one of the cleanest spinning back kicks in UFC history. With 15 minutes left in the first, Salikov spun on one leg and delivered a devastating kick that knocked Kennan unconscious. An incredible performance for the Russian welterweight that added to an already impressive highlight reel.
Salikhov, who was certainly a knockout candidate this year, has many options for the future of his career. On a night filled with incredible knockouts and outstanding performances, Salikhov may have stolen the show.
Official result: Muslim Salikhov wins. Kenan Song KO (spinning wheel kick), round 1, 3:45
