UFC Fight Night: Muslim Salikhov vs Carlos Leal Miranda Preview & Prediction
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Muslim Salikhov vs Carlos Leal Miranda: Surging slugger meets the ‘King of Kung Fu’ in welterweight clash
A striking match-up with a sense of ‘old guard vs new blood’ unfolds as 41-year-old veteran Muslim Salikhov looks to fend off Brazil’s Carlos Leal Miranda in a potential passing of the torch moment at 170lbs.
Muslim Salikhov vs Carlos Leal Miranda facts
What time are Muslim Salikhov and Carlos Leal Miranda expected to walk out?
Where is UFC on ABC 9: Whittaker vs de Ridder? Etihad Arena, Abu Dhabi, UAE
Where can I get tickets for UFC on ABC 9: Whittaker vs de Ridder? Click here for the latest ticket information for UFC on ABC 9
What TV channel is UFC on ABC 9 on? UK – TNT Sports / USA – ESPN+ (undercard) & ABC (main card)
Where can I stream UFC on ABC 9? UK – TNT Sports subscribers can stream the event online via the TNT Sports website and discovery+ / USA – ESPN+ & UFC Fight Pass
UFC Fight Night: Whittaker vs de Ridder main card
Robert Whittaker vs Reinier de Ridder (Middleweight)
Petr Yan vs Marcus McGhee (Bantamweight)
Sharabutdin Magomedov vs Marc-Andre Barriault (Middleweight)
Asu Almabayev vs Jose Ochoa (Flyweight)
Nikita Krylov vs Bogdan Guskov (Light Heavyweight)
UFC Fight Night: Whittaker vs de Ridder prelims
Bryce Mitchell vs Said Nurmagomedov (Bantamweight)
Muslim Salikhov vs Carlos Leal Miranda (Welterweight)
Davey Grant vs Da'Mon Blackshear (Bantamweight)
Amanda Ribas vs Tabatha Ricci (Women’s Strawweight)
Ibo Aslan vs Billy Elekana (Light Heavyweight)
Mohammad Yahya vs Steven Nguyen (Featherweight)
Martin Buday vs Marcus Buchecha (Heavyweight)
Muslim Salikhov: Dagestani kung fu specialist still capable of brilliance
Muslim Salikhov (21-5) breaks the typical Dagestani mould, trading wrestling for a decorated background in Kung Fu and Taekwondo — earning him the nickname ‘King of Kung Fu’. His style blends precision, timing, and highlight-reel spinning techniques. At 41, Salikhov is past his peak, but he remains somewhat of a threat, as shown by his sensational spinning wheel kick KO of Kenan Song in November 2024. One of the year’s best highlights. Just three fights prior, he suffered a brutal KO loss to Randy Brown, with many questioning if his best days were behind him. However, a pair of wins over Santiago Ponzinibbio and Song have sparked a modest resurgence. Salikhov’s signature spinning attacks remain dangerous, but questions linger around his pace, reflexes, and durability as he moves into his forties.
Carlos Leal Miranda: Brazilian powerhouse finding form at the right time
Carlos Leal Miranda (22-6) is a 31-year-old Brazilian making waves in the UFC. After a solid stint with the PFL, he picked up two wins on the regional scene before stepping in on short notice against Rinat Fakhretdinov — losing a decision many saw as a robbery. He followed that up with a dominant first-round finish over Alex Morono, showing sharp hands, composure, and killer instinct. Leal is a forward-pressure boxer with clean technique, sneaky power, and strong takedown defence. He isn’t the easiest to hit clean and often brawls on his own terms.
Muslim Salikhov vs Carlos Leal Miranda prediction
This feels like a case of two fighters heading in different directions. Salikhov is still dangerous, but at 41, he’s more vulnerable than ever to forward pressure and sustained offence. Leal, nine years younger, is entering his prime and will also enjoy a four-inch reach advantage in this particular match-up — a useful asset in dictating range.
Expect Leal to walk Salikhov down, pressure him early, and eventually find the mark with volume and power.
Prediction: Carlos Leal Miranda to win by KO/TKO
