Chinese welterweight Song Kenan faced off with veteran Muslim Salikhov at UFC Macau on Saturday.
Both fighters entered the night of single wins; Kenan had gotten the better of Ricky Glenn last time out, while Salikhov had defeated Santiago Ponzinibbio.
Salikhov is now 40 years old and entering his 12th fight in the UFC. The self proclaimed “King of Kung Fu” would have to pick up a win in hostile territory, to defeat Kenan in his native county.
In the opening moments each fighter cautiously measured their opponent, with Salikhov landing a spinning back kick to the body. Kennan landed a blistering straight right hand that made Salikhov retreat to the fence. Once against the cage, Salikhov was kneed in the groin stopping the action momentarily.
Salikhov forced the fight back to the middle, and landed a lead left hook. What happened next was a thing a beauty: the unofficial Olympic Gold medalist in Sanda timed one of the cleanest spinning back kicks in UFC history. With a minute fifteen left in the first, Salikov spun around on one leg and delivered a devastating kick that separated Kenan from consciousness. An unbelievable performance for the Russian welterweight who added to his already impressive highlight reel.
In what was certainly a knockout of the year contender, Salikhov now has many options for what to do next with his career. In a night filled with incredible knockouts and standout performances, Salikhov may have stole the show.
Official Result: Muslim Salikhov def. Song Kenan by KO (spinning wheel kick), Round 1, 3:45
