Santiago Ponzinibbio vs. Muslim Salikhov: Preview, Where to Watch and Betting Odds

Veteran Welterweights Santiago Ponzinibbio and Muslim Salikhov trade punches in the Octagon on the main card of UFC Denver. With rumors of retirement swirling around and questions about their motivation and passion, the veteran fighters have to contend with recent records that are less-than-stellar, too. The two fighters were scheduled to clash a few years ago, but Covid-19 scuttled the match-up. With identical 1-3 records in their last four, Argentina’s Santiago Ponzinibbio is a huge favorite to defeat Russia’s Muslim Salikhov.

MMA: UFC Welterweight

Where to Watch: ESPN/ESPN+

Venue: Ball Arena, Denver, Colorado

Date: 14.07.2024 05:00

At 37, Santiago Ponzinibbio insists he still loves the sport and has the passion and motivation to continue. One win in four, with his last victory coming in December 2022, seems to state otherwise, but Ponzinibbio claims his record does not tell the whole story as he has competed with some of the best fighters in the 170-pound class. His résumé shows fights against Kevin Holland, Alex Morono, Michel Pereira, Geoff Neal, and Li Jiangliang. While most were losses, a closer look shows two split decision setbacks. Ponzinibbio was competitive over two rounds against Holland in April 2023 before being knocked out in the third round.

• Age: 37
• Height: 6’0”
• Weight: 170lbs (77kg)
• Reach: 73”
• Record: 29-7

He’s a good fighter — has a lot of experience, a great name, champion of the world in Sanda, and many kickboxing matches. He’s a guy with many fights in the company, too. I wanted This kind of fight, and I’m ready to make a great show.

Santiago Ponzinibbio

A multiple Sanda World Champion, the 40-year-old Russian has also logged nearly two hundred kickboxing fights in a lengthy martial arts career. Joining the UFC in 2017, Muslim Salikhov was a long-term member of the welterweight top fifteen rankings, but in recent fights, the American top team seems to be showing his age. A victory over Andre Fialho in late 2022 has been sandwiched between losses to Li Jiangliang, Nicholas Dalby, and Randy Brown. The setback against Brown last February came via a first-round KO loss in Las Vegas.

• Age: 40
• Height: 5’11’’
• Reach: 69.5”
• Weight: 170lbs (77kg)
• Record: 19-5

But, in training, at American Top Team, it’s one of the most competitive gyms in the world; a lot of top guys. I feel great in my training every day, and in my fights, I can win and lose — it’s part of the sport — but nobody has beaten me for 15 minutes; nobody smashes me.

Santiago Ponzinibbio

Muslim Salikhov is a 2.75 underdog on Betway. Santiago Ponzinibbio to win by KO/TKO is priced at 2.625 on 1xBet, with the over 2.5 available at 1.87 odds. The Fight to go the distance is priced at 2.10 odds on Bet365, with Santiago Ponzinibbio by decision available at 3.10. Read more.