UFC 251 will be the UFC’s first event at fight island in Abu Dhabi. The card will be headlined by Jorge Masvidal and Kamaru Usman. Today we will be taking a look at a fight that is flying under the radar.
Under The Radar
An undercard fight between Elizeu Zaleski Dos Santos and Muslum Salikhov is flying significantly under the radar. In what could become a fight of the night candidate it has been going unnoticed because of the drama in the main event. Gilbert Burns tested positive for COVID-19 causing the UFC to bring in Jorge Masvidal as his replacement. That decision was just made final yesterday, only six days before the fight. Both Dos Santos and Salikhov bring it every fight. The only reason it is on the undercard is because of how stacked the main card is.
The Match-up
Dos Santos is 22-6 with 14 wins by TKO or knockout. While his opponent, Muslim Salikhov is 16-2 with 12 wins via TKO or knockout. Both men have unique striking. With Salikhov having a deep background in Wushu Sanda. He also held a pro kickboxing record of 185-13 While Dos Santos started his MMA journey by studying the art of Capoeira. Dos Santos will have a significant advantage on the ground though, as he is a black belt in BJJ under Christiano Marcello and Salikhov is only a blue belt. It would be ideal for Dos Santos to get Salikhov to the ground as both of Salikhov’s losses are via submission.
UFC Careers
Both of these men have had pretty good UFC careers so far. They will both be looking to push themselves into the top 15 in the UFC’s welterweight division. Salikhov is 3-1 in the UFC and is currently riding a three-fight win streak. Those wins include Laureano Staropoli, Nordine Taleb, and Ricky Rainey. Dos Santos is currently 8-2 in the UFC. With notable wins over Alexy Kunchenko, Curtis Millender, Max Griffin, and Lyman Good.
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