MMA Match Preview: Muslim Salikhov (22-5-0) vs. Carlos Leal (22-7-0)

In a classic “veteran vs. rising contender” matchup, Muslim “King of Kung Fu” Salikhov stunned the MMA world with a 42-second knockout of Carlos Leal at UFC on ABC 9 in Abu Dhabi. What was billed as a potential passing-of-the-torch moment turned into a career resurgence for the 41-year-old Dagestani striker.

Tale of the Tape

Fighter	Muslim Salikhov	Carlos Leal Miranda
Age	41	31
Height	5′11″	5′11″
Reach	70″	74″
Record	22-5-0	22-7-0
UFC Record	9-4	1-2
Style	Sanda/Kung Fu striker	Pressure boxer/Muay Thai

Muslim Salikhov – The Timeless Technician

Strengths:

Elite spinning attacks and timing

Defensive sharpness (absorbs only 2.90 strikes/min)

KO power with 14 career knockouts

Recent Form:

KO win over Carlos Leal (July 2025)

KO win over Song Kenan (Nov 2024)

Split decision win over Santiago Ponzinibbio

Signature Moment:

Landed a brutal overhand right to finish Leal in just 42 seconds

Salikhov’s performance was a masterclass in veteran poise. He baited Leal into range with subtle footwork and detonated a short right hand that ended the fight instantly. His post-fight callout of Stephen “Wonderboy” Thompson hints at a dream matchup between two of MMA’s most decorated strikers.

Carlos Leal – The Pressure Fighter

Strengths:

High-volume striking (9.65 strikes/min)

Strong takedown defense (90%)

Aggressive combinations and cage control

Recent Form:

KO loss to Salikhov (July 2025)

KO win over Alex Morono (March 2025)

Controversial decision loss to Rinat Fakhretdinov

Game Plan:

Push pace early

Mix body shots and leg kicks

Avoid spinning counters

Leal entered the bout as a heavy favorite, riding momentum from a dominant win over Morono. But his forward pressure played into Salikhov’s counter-striking trap, exposing defensive lapses that proved costly.

What’s Next?

For Salikhov: A potential bout with Stephen Thompson would be a legacy-defining moment.

For Leal: A regroup and rebuild phase, possibly against another striker to test his defensive evolution.

Want a breakdown of Thompson vs. Bonfim or a graphic comparing Salikhov’s spinning finishes? I can also build a post-fight analysis or betting model based on fighter trends. Just say the word.