Veterans Muslim Salikhov and Randy Brown get proceedings underway at UFC 296 in a Welterweight clash. Russian fighter Salikhov was briefly ranked in the division, but a recent loss to Nicolas Dalby has seen him lose his place. Jamaican-American Brown has lost one in his last six and is a huge favorite in this early prelims bout. UFC 296 is held this weekend at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
MMA: UFC Welterweight
Venue: T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas
Where to watch: ESPN+
Date: 17.12.2023. 02.05
Randy Brown
The 33-year-old Randy Brown has an 11-5 record in the UFC, having made a 2016 debut in the promotion. Before losing to Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 284, “Rude Boy” was unbeaten for three years, stitching together a four-fight winning streak. Following the February loss to Maddalena, Randy Brown won a unanimous decision over Wellington Thurman last June to bring his 2023 record to 1-1.
Tale of the Tape
- Age: 33
- Height: 6’ 3”
- Reach: 78”
- Weight: 170 Ibs
- Record: 22-5
Muslim Salikhov
39-year-old Muslim Salikhov competed in M1-Global and several regional promotions in Russia and China before his 2017 UFC debut. The Russian is a celebrated Sanda fighter quite popular in China, where he has won awards and bagged the nickname “King of Kung Fu.” Salikhov is 1-2 in his last three. His last fight was six months ago when he dropped a unanimous decision to Dalby. He previously went on a five-fight winning streak that enabled him to enter the Welterweight rankings.
Tale of the Tape
- Age: 39
- Height: 5’ 11”
- Reach: 69.5”
- Weight: 170 Ibs
- Record: 19-4-0
Betting Odds
Muslim Salikhov is a 2.871 underdog on Betwinner. Randy Brown to win in round one is 5.5 odds on 1XBET, and by decision, the American is 2.4 odds. Over 2.5 is priced at 1.68 on Bet365, with the under at 2.05.