Yesterday, the UFC returned to Macau, China, for a solid Fight Night event that featured a truly insane spinning wheel knockout from a 40-year-old veteran who says he's “only just beginning to understand” the sport.
While the wildly spinning knockout was very impressive, so was the fight of a former title challenger and future Hall of Famer.
Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC
The UFC Macau fight ends in a crazy spinning wheel knockout
On the main card of UFC Macau yesterday morning, 40-year-old welterweight veteran Muslim Salikhov turned back the clock as he scored another stunning knockout against hometown hero Song Kenan.
We say 'another' because that's the sixth spinning kick KO of Salikhov's career, and the fourth knockout he's scored in the UFC – the Russian striker is now 8-4 in the promotion and on a winning streak of two fights.
“I always have this kick in my pocket, but I never expect to end this fight with something like that,” he told Michael Bisping in the octagon, before noting that even at 40 years old, he is still learning and growing as a fighter.
“This is my favorite staircase; I did this for many years, it was beautiful… I'm just getting started, I'm just now understanding what's going on here, let's have better fights. I want more fights and I'm still good [at 40].”
'King of Kung Fu' shouts 'Wonderboy' after spinning wheel KO at UFC Macau
Although he didn't get the chance to invite anyone into the octagon at UFC Macau, the popular Russian veteran did have one big name in mind when he sat down with reporters after the event.
Speaking to Helen Yee after the conclusion of UFC Macau, Salikhov said he would like to do another fight before Ramadan 2025 and that the 'King of Kung Fu' knows exactly who would be the perfect next dance partner.
“I know [that] I'm ready to fight [again] before Ramadan because I have no damage from this fight, no injuries, I am in good shape and will continue my training.
“I don't like to rest for a long time, so I'll be ready – if the UFC asks me for a fight, I'll be ready – and I want a fight with [Stephen] 'Wonderboy' Thompson.”
Thompson has had a stop-start in the UFC for a few years; only competing once in 2023 and again in 2024 – both fights ending in injury losses for the future Hall of Famer.
“This is a good fight for me and for him,” continued Salikhov, who teased that the fight could be marketed as a showdown between the two MMA disciplines.
“Let's see whose Kung Fu is better – he's a Karate guy and I'm Kung Fu, so it'll be exciting for the fans.”
Stephen Thompson currently holds the #10 spot in the UFC welterweight rankings, Salikhov is no longer ranked prior to Tuesday's update.
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