Ignacio Bahamondes and Muslim Salikhov, Noche UFC ceremonial weigh-in Credit: Eddie Law/Cageside Press
Ignacio Bahamondes looked to shake off a two-fight skid and turn a page with a move up to welterweight when he faced off against Muslim Salikhov at Noche UFC on Saturday.
The preliminary card fight had a 13-year age gap between the 29-year old Bahamondes and 42-year old Salikhov. Russia’s Salikhov was himself looking bounce back from a loss to Uros Medic.
Round 1: Both men were content with trading space while trading kicks at range to start the fight, with mostly just range finders being thrown. Salikhov exploded with a well-defended overhand and spinning kick, with Bahamondes landing a nice right hand seconds later. Some clean oblique and side kicks landed for Bahamondes as Salikhov rushed in with a spinning backfist, barely missing. Salikhov caught a kick and dumped Bahamondes down, letting him back up into a striking match. A slick counter spinning elbow landed for Salikhov as Bahamondes entered the pocket, as Bahamondes returned with his own. Salikhov was being pressed back and towards the cage at this point, giving Salikhov less space to use his kicks. Salikhov’s blocked backfist was countered by a headkick, but the Russian caught the end of the kick and dumped Bahamondes again. A series of kicks and a big straight right ended the round strong for the Chilean.
Round 2: To no surprise, Bahamondes appeared fresher coming out of the corner, but Salikhov stood his ground early. A technical kickboxing match ensued for the next minute, with Bahamondes and Salikhov trading spinning back kicks and leg kicks. Bahamondes landed another head kick, but was quickly dumped after it was caught at the end. After getting back to his feet, Bahamondes landed a clean body kick before throwing a spinning elbow that landed directly on the turning Salikhov’s back. A loud impact, but a missed strike. Salikhov caught yet another head kick, this time following Bahamondes to the ground momentarily before resetting on the feet once again. Salikhov snuck in a body kick before the rounds close, but wasn’t able to follow up. As the 10 second clapper sounded, Bahamondes countered Salikhov with a right hand that sent him wobbling back. Bahamondes tried to finish with a spinning kick and flying knee, but to no avail with the round ending.
Round 3: Both traded kicks with varying success for the first 90 seconds with nothing too significant landing on either side. Bahamondes kept trying for the head kick and being punished, but Salikhov would let him up after landing on top. The round followed up with much of the same kicks being exchanged, until Salikhov opened up more with the boxing late. Bahamondes responded with boxing as well, as both landed some solid punches. Bahamondes likely got the better of the boxing, but Salikhov did land a nice spinning kick and right hand to the body. After Bahamondes entered the pocket, Salikhov locked in a bodylock and took the fight down. Bahamondes was more aggressive with a barrage of elbows off his back as the final horn rang and both men celebrated.
Official Result: Ignacio Bahamondes def. Muslim Salikhov by Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)