Fight Information
- Who: Santiago Ponzinibbio vs. Muslim Salikhov
- Date: Saturday, July 13, 2024
- Location: Ball Arena, Denver, CO
- Time: Prelims (7:00 p.m. ET), Main Card (10:00 p.m. ET)
- How to Watch: Prelims (ESPN, ESPN+), Main Card (ESPN, ESPN+)
On Saturday, July 13, the UFC returns to Denver for the first time since 2018 with an exciting ESPN Fight Night card. The co-main event features a welterweight bout between Santiago Ponzinibbio and Muslim Salikhov.
Here’s a breakdown of the fighters and betting analysis for this intriguing matchup.
Fighter Backgrounds
Santiago Ponzinibbio
- Record: 29-7
- Recent Form: Ponzinibbio was on a seven-fight winning streak between December 2015 and November 2018. However, the 37-year-old has faced difficulties since, going 2-4 in his last six fights. His latest bout ended in a third-round knockout loss to Kevin Holland in April 2023.
Muslim Salikhov
- Record: 19-5
- Recent Form: Salikhov saw his five-fight winning streak end in July 2022 and has since gone 1-3. He is currently on a two-fight losing streak, with his most recent defeat being a first-round knockout by Randy Brown in February 2023.
Betting Breakdown
Santiago Ponzinibbio (-193)
Ponzinibbio relies heavily on his striking, with 16 of his career wins coming by knockout. He earned a “Performance of the Night” bonus for his knockout victory over Alex Morono in December 2022.
Ponzinibbio excels at managing range and maintaining volume, but he struggled against Kevin Holland’s speed and range, which led to a frustrating head-hunting approach.
Key Stats:
- Significant Strikes Landed per Minute: 4.90
- Accuracy: 41%
- Striking Defense: 61%
- Strikes Absorbed per Minute: 4.67
- Takedowns per 15 Minutes: 0.48
- Takedown Accuracy: 30%
- Takedown Defense: 60%
Muslim Salikhov (+168)
Salikhov is also a striker, with 13 knockouts in his career. He earned a “Performance of the Night” bonus for his stoppage of Andre Fialho in 2022. Salikhov uses a variety of techniques, including spinning strikes, and maintains good defensive movement. However, his cardio is a concern, especially fighting at Denver’s elevation.
Key Stats:
- Significant Strikes Landed per Minute: 3.36
- Accuracy: 51%
- Striking Defense: 62%
- Strikes Absorbed per Minute: 2.94
- Takedowns per 15 Minutes: 1.27
- Takedown Accuracy: 40%
- Takedown Defense: 73%
Will Fight Go The Distance ?
Current odds
- Yes +120
- No -150
Round Betting Odds
Here are the current round betting odds at BetOnline:
Option | Odds |
Santiago Ponzinibbio in Round 1 | +325 |
Santiago Ponzinibbio in Round 2 | +600 |
Santiago Ponzinibbio in Round 3 | +1200 |
Santiago Ponzinibbio by Points | +225 |
Muslim Salikhov in Round 1 | +500 |
Muslim Salikhov in Round 2 | +850 |
Muslim Salikhov in Round 3 | +1600 |
Muslim Salikhov by Points | +400 |
Draw | +6600 |
Best Bets
Cardio could play a crucial role in this fight, favoring Ponzinibbio. If Ponzinibbio can stay focused and not get frustrated by Salikhov’s defensive tactics and speed, he has a good chance of racking up points and winning by decision.