Welterweight knockout artists let their hands go on Saturday night as Ignacio Bahamondes faces Muslim Salikhov at Noche UFC: Silva vs. Delgado in Glendale, Arizona.
Bahamondes (17–7, 6–4 UFC) makes his 170-pound debut after dropping back-to-back decisions at lightweight, most recently falling short against Tofiq Musayev in March. Salikhov (22–6, 9–5 UFC) looks to rebound from his first-round knockout loss at the hands of Uros Medic in November 2025, which snapped a three-fight surge.
Bahamondes enters as an overwhelming -535 moneyline favorite on DraftKings Sportsbook. Salikhov is a +400 underdog, with the fight total set at O/U 1.5 rounds.
Bahamondes vs. Salikhov Preview
Ignacio Bahamondes
- 17–7 (6–4 UFC)
- 11–0 (T)KO
- 2–2 SUB
Ignacio Bahamondes is looking to shrug off a pair of recent decision losses as he makes his welterweight debut on Saturday night. The Chilean prospect, 29, will tack on another 15 pounds to his already impressive 6-foot-3 frame and 75-inch reach.
That extra weight should bolster Bahamondes’ strong stoppage prowess; he owns a 76 percent career finish rate with 11 knockouts. “La Jaula” holds the age, speed, and size advantages against his veteran opponent Muslim Salikhov, clearing a runway to victory if he can stay out of harm’s way.
Muslim Salikhov
- 22–6 (9–5 UFC)
- 15–3 (T)KO
- 2–2 SUB
They call him the “King of Kung Fu” for a reason. Even at 42, Muslim Salikhov remains dangerous behind his highlight-reel wheel kicks. He owns a 77 percent finish rate with 15 knockouts, and his last two victories came by first-round stoppage.
Still, Salikhov is seemingly fighting an uphill battle on Saturday night. His durability has become a serious question mark in the twilight of his career; five of his six pro losses have come inside the distance. He’s also returning to the Octagon for the first time since November 2025, when he got stopped by Uros Medic inside two minutes.
Bahamondes vs. Salikhov Pick, Best Bet
Ignacio Bahamondes is well-positioned to shine in his welterweight debut, taking on one of the oldest fighters on the active roster. “La Jaula” is younger, faster, larger, busier, and more dangerous at this stage of his career, and he should be able to evade heavy incoming shots from the “King of Kung Fu.” Count on Bahamondes to get this one done inside the distance.
