UFC Fight Night: Namajunas vs. Cortez will witness the clash between Muslim Salikhov and Santiago Ponzinibbio. ‘The King of Kung Fu’ is currently riding a two-fight losing streak and he desperately needs this win to make his record a bit better. Well, as of 2024, his professional MMA record stands at 19 victories and 5 losses but his UFC journey has been a bit rough.

The Dagestani fights in the 170 lbs category but is he a natural welterweight? Well, the Russian is a bit tall as he stands at 5″11. If we were to assume his weight then it would not be wrong to estimate that he must be walking around somewhere between 185-190 lbs. The consummate professional that he is, Salikhov has never missed his weight either.

While having a conversation with ‘RT’, Salikhov confessed that his walkaround weight is around 198lb. He said, “My walk-around weight is about 89-90 kg (198 lbs). But I’ve always fought as a welterweight all of my career, and it’s never been a problem for me to make the weight.” 

Salikhov is a perfect combination of ancient Chinese martial arts with a modern touch with it. Interestingly, the ‘King of Kung Fu’ trained alongside Zabit Magomedsharipov.

Muslim Salikhov’s relationship with Zabit Magomedsharipov

Zabit Magomedsharipov’s striking abilities were such a spectacle that even seasoned fighters couldn’t tackle it. However, the fighter had to retire from the world of MMA due to disruptions in the fight and health problems. Interestingly, Muslim Salikhov and Magomedsharipov trained together at the Five Directions Of The World.

While having a conversation with ‘RT’, Salikhov gave a glimpse of his relationship with Zabit, “We come from the same coach, Gusein Magomaev, the founder of Five Directions Of The World. Obviously, we were in different age groups. I’d even say that our styles differ. I’m seven years older than Zabit, and have practiced Wushu a lot longer. But yes, we come from the same coach. Five Directions Of The World is a boarding school in the mountains of Dagestan, kids stay there for six days a week to study and train. There are plenty of martial arts at this school, not just Wushu.”

This weekend, Salikhov has the opportunity to show what his coach has taught him and maintain the legacy of Magomedsharipov. What’s your take on his upcoming fight? State your thoughts in the comments below.