The excitement surrounding UFC Fight Night 248 is palpable, especially with the welterweight bout between Muslim Salikhov and Song Kenan taking center stage at Galaxy Arena in Macau. Scheduled to take place on Saturday as part of the main card, this matchup presents a tantalizing clash of two fighters with substantial experience in the octagon. Both fighters come into this fight with recent victories and a determination to solidify their standing in the welterweight division.
Muslim Salikhov (20-5 MMA, 7-4 UFC) enters this fight with a mixed bag of recent results but maintains confidence after scoring a narrow split-decision victory over Santiago Ponzinibbio last July. Despite experiencing setbacks, such as a knockout loss to Randy Brown in February 2024, Salikhov’s proficiency as a striker remains undisputed. At 40 years old, he comes into this fight as a seasoned veteran. His striking skills, honed through years of combat training, are expected to pose a considerable challenge for his opponent. Salikhov might not be in his prime, but his experience and ability to land powerful strikes make him a fighter to watch.
On the opposite side of the octagon, Song Kenan (22-8 MMA, 6-4 UFC) seeks to leverage the momentum from his recent unanimous decision victory over Ricky Glenn. This win served as a marked recovery from his previous loss to Kevin Jousset in December. At the age of 34, Song brings a youthful spirit coupled with a willingness to engage opponents in striking exchanges. His performance on the feet is undeniably aggressive, making him a threat in any stand-up battle.
Stylistic Analysis and Fight Breakdown
From a technical standpoint, this fight could evolve into a striking masterpiece. Salikhov is known for his striking precision and ability to execute intricate techniques, which includes spinning kicks and powerful punches. Contrastingly, Song’s game hinges on his ability to maintain pressure and engage in extended exchanges. If he can adjust his strategy to disrupt Salikhov’s rhythm, he could significantly tilt the fight in his favor. On the flip side, if Song adheres too closely to a stand-up battle without attempting to diversify his approach, the fight may favor Salikhov, who excels in such conditions.
Current odds from FanDuel show Salikhov as the favorite at -196, with Song listed at +152. This positioning reflects the general expectation of Salikhov’s potential dominance in striking. As fight night approaches, anticipation grows, and spectators are eager to see if Salikhov can harness his experience and craft to overwhelm Song early or if the younger fighter can emerge victorious by implementing a strategic game plan. Fans can catch this exciting bout, with both fighters expected to make their entrance at around 7:40 a.m. ET, streaming live on ESPN+.
UFC Fight Night 248 promises to deliver an exciting matchup between two striking specialists, and the outcome could have significant implications for the trajectory of both fighters in the welterweight division. Whether Salikhov continues to showcase his skills or Song introduces a new tactical approach, the fight is sure to provide plenty of action for MMA enthusiasts.