Preview: UFC on ESPN 47 ‘Vettori vs. Cannonier’

Welterweights

Muslim Salikhov (19-3, 6-2 UFC) vs. Nicolas Dalby (21-4-1, 5-4-1 UFC)

ODDS: Salikhov (-190), Dalby (+160)

A run to the title does not seem likely for either of these welterweights in their late 30s, but this is still a compelling matchup. A multi-time world champion in Wushu Sanda, Salikhov came to the UFC in 2017 with a deservedly high level of hype, only for that to dissipate almost immediately. Alex Garcia was able to outwrestle him in his debut and scored a submission with little effort. However, things have been much more sanguine for “The King of Kung Fu” in the years since. He has not kept up an active schedule, but Salikhov has managed to score six wins in his last seven fights. That has included some highlight-reel knockouts, but Salikhov has otherwise done a solid job of keeping opponents on their toes, fighting at a slow pace from range while uncorking some shockingly quick strikes, then pivoting to a solid wrestling game if the need ever arises. Freshly turned 39, there is the worry that Salikhov’s athleticism could take a step back at any moment, but for now, he looks to put in another strong performance against Dalby. In contrast to Salikhov, Dalby’s fights are about anything but flash, as the Dane has developed an impressive level of consistency to his game during his second UFC run. Dalby’s first UFC stint saw him impress in his debut and then slide out of the promotion in surprisingly quick fashion, but an impressive level of self-improvement during his years on the regional scene saw “Danish Dynamite” come back as a much more mentally focused and physically intimidating fighter. Dalby still is not particularly dynamic, as he instead looks to put on three rounds of pressure and grind out a grimy victory, which figures to make this fight a tough ask. Salikhov may fight at a slow pace and Dalby may be particularly tough to knock out, but the Russian should be able to land some big moments of offense as his counterpart closes distance and should at least make the wrestling a wash. It may not be a particularly definitive victory, but the pick is Salikhov via decision.

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Vettori vs. Cannonier
Tsarukyan vs. Silva
Duncan vs. Petrosyan
Sabatini vs. Almeida
Torres vs. Motta
Salikhov vs. Dalby
The Prelims