Muslim Salikhov delivered a vicious one-punch, walkoff knockout to dispatch Carlos Leal in just 42 seconds at UFC Abu Dhabi on Saturday.
Despite coming into the fight as a heavy underdog, Salikhov showed no fear whatsoever trading shots with Leal on the feet as the Brazilian immediately began stalking him across the cage to start the fight. That was likely a game plan to take away Salikhov’s talented feet after he’s scored a number of highlight reel victories with his kicks.
This time around, Salikhov showed off his hands after uncorking a perfectly timed right hand that snapped Leal’s head back and then sent him crashing face first to the canvas. Salikhov just turned and walked away as the referee stepped in to stop the fight as Leal struggled to get off the canvas.
SALIKHOV DROPPED LEAL #UFCABUDHABI pic.twitter.com/zZObhwHBtW
— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) July 26, 2025
“I’m 41 years young. I’m still improving,” Salikhov said after the win. “With my new team, I’m feeling stronger and maybe younger now. I’m so happy that I’m going back home and I got the win. He’s always good pressure but I was ready. I’m working hard. I feel that I’m going to get $50g’s”
While he’s faced some ups and downs in recent years, Salikhov is still more than capable of pulling off a jaw-dropping victory like the one he had on Saturday in Abu Dhabi. The win moves him to 3-2 in his past five outings and he already has a future opponent in mind for his next fight.
“‘Wonderboy’ [Stephen Thompson] I want to fight with you,” Salikhov shouted. “Let’s go.”
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