Muslim Salikhov beat Santiago Ponzinibbio with a split decision Saturday in the UFC on ESPN 59 co-main event at Ball Arena in Denver.

Take a look inside the fight with Salikhov, who got back in the win column after back-to-back losses.

Muslim Salikhov def. Santiago Ponzinibbio

Jul 13, 2024; Denver, Colorado, USA; Santiago Ponzinibbio (red gloves) fights Muslim Salikhov (blue gloves) during UFC Fight Night at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

Result: Muslim Salikhov def. Santiago Ponzinibbio via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
Updated records: Salikhov (20-5 MMA, 7-4 UFC), Ponzinibbio (29-8 MMA, 11-7 UFC) (SD)
Key stats: Salikhov won the striking battle, 69-42.

Salikhov on the fight’s key moment

Jul 13, 2024; Denver, Colorado, USA; Santiago Ponzinibbio (red gloves) fights Muslim Salikhov (blue gloves) during UFC Fight Night at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

“Ponzinibbio is a very experienced guy and I respect him a lot. But today I have the best team. They made for me the best game plan. I followed it, and that’s why (the win) happened. It wasn’t easy, but that’s OK – I got the win.”

Salikhov on adjusting to the altitude

Jul 13, 2024; Denver, Colorado, USA; Santiago Ponzinibbio (red gloves) fights Muslim Salikhov (blue gloves) during UFC Fight Night at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

“Yes, (coming to Denver early was the right move). It was the decision of my manager – he told me I should come here earlier.”

Salikhov on what he wants next

Jul 13, 2024; Denver, Colorado, USA; A ring girl walks around the octagon during the night between Rose Namajunas (red gloves) and Tracy Cortez (blue gloves) during UFC Fight Night at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

“I love Denver after (coming early to acclimate to the climate). This is the best city in America for me. All my camps, I will do here now.”

To hear more from Salikhov, check out the video of the full post-fight interview above.

For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC on ESPN 59.

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