It is in this latter realm that we find the embodiment of such a figure in Muslim Salikhov, a veteran combatant raised in the cold unforgiving mountains of Makhachkala, Russia, where the shadows are as long as a warrior’s dream. Salikhov, a sanda virtuoso in the Ultimate Fighting Championship welterweight division, is the embodiment of Dagestan’s warrior tradition who, in competition, finds the primal satisfaction found in the crucible of combat.
From the picturesque landscapes of Dagestan, where the Caspian Sea meets the rugged North Caucasus, Salikhov’s journey echoes the wisdom of an age-old regional adage: “The warrior’s shadow is long, but his dream is longer.” Through the expanse of the challenging topography and humble beginnings, he carved his path to become Russia’s legendary five-time sanda world champion. Known for its indomitable warriors, Dagestan has produced champions like Khabib Nurmagomedov and Islam Makhachev. Salikhov seamlessly transitioned from dominating the amateur sanda world to conquering professional mixed martial arts stages.
Salikhov is scheduled to face Randy Brown at UFC Fight Night 235 on Feb. 3 in Las Vegas. In anticipation of his upcoming bout, let us delve into five things that you might not know about him:
1. He was a maestro of the wushu sanda community.
Salikhov is a distinguished Russian mixed martial artist and wushu sanda luminary. His journey into the martial arts realm commenced at the Five Directions of the World school in Buynaksk, Dagestan, where the foundations of his formidable sanda skills were laid. His ascent to martial arts greatness commenced with triumphs in numerous Dagestani, Russian national and European wushu competitions. Subsequently, 2005 marked a significant milestone, as Salikhov clinched his inaugural gold medal at the eighth World Wushu Championships in Hanoi, Vietnam, unveiling a glimpse of the excellence that would define his legacy. The following years saw an unrelenting quest for gold, with victories in the ninth WWC in Beijing (2007), the 10th WWC in Toronto (2009), the 11th WWC in Ankara, Turkey (2011), and the 13th WWC in Jakarta, Indonesia (2015). Salikhov’s dominance extended beyond standard championships. He emerged victorious in the 2008 Beijing Wushu Tournament, held in conjunction with the Summer Olympics. Salikhov also went on to claim the gold medal in the 2013 Combat Games in St. Petersburg, Russia.
2. He broke molds.
Salikhov in 2006 catapulted into global recognition by conquering China’s renowned “King of Kungfu” competition in Chongqing. His victory marked a historic moment as the first non-Chinese fighter to claim the title. The victory earned him the affectionate moniker “Master Mu” within the Chinese martial arts community.
3. His flashy skills were welcomed in MMA.
Salikhov transitioned to MMA in 2011. He signed with M-1 Global in 2013 and embarked on an undefeated journey. Venturing into the arenas of China and Russia in 2015, Salikhov left an indelible mark, with six out of seven victories sealed via knockout. Among his numerous highlights, a spinning hook kick knockout against Melvin Guillard remains memorable, considering that the bout crept to catchweight after his opponent missed weight.
4. Accolades bolster his resume.
Amidst Salikhov’s illustrious martial arts journey lies the distinctive recognition of being an Honored Master of Sports in wushu sanda and a Master of Sports in complex martial arts under the Unified Sports Classification System. Established by the Soviet Union in 1935, this system served as the bedrock for physical education, setting rigorous standards for athletes and coaches alike.
5. He diversifies his training.
Beyond the confines of the Octagon, Salikhov transforms into a global alchemist of martial arts excellence. From the sacred halls of Phuket Top Team in Thailand to the rigorous training grounds of American Top Team in Florida and currently under the tutelage of Mark Henry in New Jersey, he assimilates diverse influences into his skill set. However, amidst this global influence, Salikhov remains tethered to his Dagestani roots. Between fights, he returns to his homeland, training with a close-knit circle of MMA comrades.