Muslim Salikhov and Song Kenan meet Saturday on the UFC Fight Night 248 main card at Galaxy Arena in Macau. Check out this quick breakdown of the matchup from MMA Junkie analyst Dan Tom.
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Muslim Salikhov vs. Song Kenan UFC Fight Night 248 preview
Salikhov (20-5 MMA, 7-4 UFC) will look to keep the momentum going after a split decision win over Santiago Ponzinibbio in July. The 40-year-old Russian fighter is 1-1 in 2024, with his first fight of the year being a knockout loss to Randy Brown in February. … Song (22-8 MMA, 6-4 UFC) also enters on the heels of victory. In his first appearance of 2024, Song, 34, won a unanimous decision over Ricky Glenn, which was a successful rebound from a decision loss to Kevin Jousset last December.
Muslim Salikhov vs. Song Kenan UFC Fight Night 248 expert pick, prediction
Serving as a solid offering at welterweight is a potential striker’s delight between veterans Salikhov and Song.
Despite Song being live in any fight that’s taking place on the feet, I suspect that he’s going to give Salikhov the exact fight he wants from a stylistic perspective.
Unless Song can show some new gears by pressuring Salikhov or extending exchanges, then don’t be surprised to see “The King of Kung Fu” eventually find his mark on the Chinese fighter.
Salikhov is clearly a post-prime fighter at this point of his career, but his craft and power remain firmly intact as the more skilled and experience striker.
The pick is Salikhov to spark off a stoppage via strikes off a spinning side kick in Round 2.
Muslim Salikhov vs. Song Kenan UFC Fight Night 248 odds
The oddsmakers and the public are favoring the Russian fighter, listing Salikhov -196 and Song +152 via FanDuel.
Muslim Salikhov vs. Song Kenan UFC Fight Night 248 start time, how to watch
As the co-main event, Salikhov and Song are expected to walk to the cage at approximately 7:40 a.m. ET. The fight will stream on ESPN+.
For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC Fight Night 248.