This weekend, on Saturday, July 13, 2024, two experienced Welterweight fighters, Santiago Ponzinibbio and Muslim Salikhov, will face off in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) event taking place at Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado.
Despite losing three of his last four fights, Ponzinibbio has displayed impressive performance in the ring. His split-decision losses to Michel Pereira and Geoff Neal should not be a source of shame, as he was also holding his own against Kevin Holland until the third round. Although Ponzinibbio, at 37 years old, may not be as athletically inclined as before, he has embraced the role of a seasoned veteran. Salikhov, on the other hand, understands this situation well at 40 years old, but he never possessed the same level of speed and power as Ponzinibbio at his peak. Nonetheless, Salikhov, known as “The King of Kung Fu,” remains a unique and dangerous striker capable of delivering knockout blows.
Now, we will closely examine the betting odds and strategic keys for every athlete.
Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images Ponzinibbio vs. Salikhov Betting Odds
- Santiago Ponzinibbio victory: -205
- The outcome of Santiago Ponzinibbio’s fight is yet to be determined, whether it be by TKO, KO, or DQ.
- Santiago Ponzinibbio via submission: TBD
- Santiago Ponzinibbio via decision: TBD
- Muslim Salikhov victory: +170
- The outcome of Muslim Salikhov’s victory is yet to be determined, whether it is through TKO, KO, or disqualification.
- Muslim Salikhov via submission: TBD
- Muslim Salikhov via decision: TBD
- Odds via DraftKings Sportsbook
Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images How Ponzinibbio Wins
It is not often that we witness a fighter undergo such a significant turning point in their career. Back in 2018, Ponzinibbio was in his prime, enjoying a remarkable winning streak and on the brink of earning a shot at the championship. However, due to health issues and injuries, he was forced to take a break from fighting, which lasted for nearly three years. Since his comeback, Ponzinibbio has assumed the role of a seasoned and determined veteran, as previously mentioned.
The career transition also involved certain technical changes. Instead of solely relying on the sheer power of his jab to dominate opponents, Ponzinibbio now focuses on constructing combinations and executing kicks during his strikes. Overall, he has developed a refined kickboxing style, but can still tap into his tenacity when needed to make the fight intense.
It is essential in this situation. Salikhov is a skilled striker, known for his expertise in long-range fighting. However, physically, he is slightly inferior to Ponzinibbio. Therefore, the key for Ponzinibbio to win is to maintain an aggressive approach, vary his targets, and gradually exhaust Salikhov until an opportunity arises for a powerful strike to the head.
Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images How Salikhov Wins
Saklikhov fully embodies his title as the “King of Kung Fu.” He possesses exceptional expertise in spinning techniques, showcasing his mastery in this area. Additionally, he excels as a skillful counter striker, effectively thwarting his opponent’s efforts to approach him and retaliating with precision.
Unlike Ponzinibbio, Salikhov prefers a methodical and precise kickboxing bout. By controlling the distance and deciding when to initiate the fight, Salikhov will have the advantage. Ponzinibbio, on the other hand, will face increased susceptibility to Salikhov’s counterattacks as he can no longer depend on his rapid speed to bridge the gap. This vulnerability will be amplified after enduring a series of body kicks, weakening his defenses.
It would be beneficial for Salikhov to prioritize winning the low kick exchange in this fight, as it is a strong technique for both fighters. If Salikhov successfully targets Ponzinibbio’s legs, it will be challenging for the Argentinian to catch up with him. On the other hand, if Salikhov’s lead leg gets repeatedly struck, he will find himself in close proximity to the powerful puncher more frequently than desired. However, Salikhov possesses a diverse kicking arsenal that allows him to conceal these low kicks and execute them effectively, making them a valuable asset for him in this matchup.
Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC Ponzinibbio vs. Salikhov Prediction
As long as this fight goes on, it is expected to be a fiercely competitive battle. However, all the determining factors favor Ponzinibbio. Despite being of similar ages and career stages, it is worth noting that Ponzinibbio has achieved greater success compared to Salikhov. As a result, he has consistently faced tougher opponents, even in the later stages of his career.
Salikhov seems to be making progress while Ponzinibbio is facing a setback. The determined fighter known as “Gente Boa” might take some time to get into his rhythm, but eventually, he will find his range and start connecting his strikes. It is worrisome, however, that Salikhov, who went through 20 professional fights without being knocked out, has recently been stopped by strikes in two out of his last four bouts.
Ponzinibbio’s punches still possess a significant amount of power.
Prediction: Santiago Ponzinibbio victory (-205)
