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In a sport defined by unpredictability, age, and the relentless march of younger contenders, few stories shine brighter than a veteran refusing to yield to Father Time. At UFC Abu Dhabi, Muslim “King of Kung Fu” Salikhov reminded the MMA world why his name is whispered with fear and respect, delivering a jaw-dropping 42-second knockout over the dangerous Carlos Leal. And in classic fashion, the 40-year-old capped his masterpiece by seizing the mic and calling out none other than Stephen “Wonderboy” Thompson: “Wonderboy, let’s go!”
A Vintage Performance from Muslim Salikhov
From the opening bell, it was clear that Salikhov, a master striker hailing from Dagestan and one of the most celebrated practitioners of sanda in MMA, came prepared to quiet any doubts about his place among the welterweight elite. Leal, riding high off his recent UFC success and brandishing a reputation for pressure and early finishes, was widely touted as the young lion ready to push Salikhov aside. Oddsmakers had placed Leal as a strong favorite, many citing Salikhov’s age and Leal’s relentless work rate as key factors.
But odds are the last thing that matter when the cage door closes and the right hand begins to flow. Within seconds, Salikhov surveyed his prey with the patience of a hunter. Leal, true to prediction, stalked forward, looking to overwhelm with his vaunted volume. But Salikhov’s movement was razor sharp, his years of elite sanda on full display.
Then, in a sequence destined to join the Salikhov highlight reel, the veteran baited Leal into range with subtle footwork, then uncorked a short, brutal right hand that detonated on Leal’s forehead. The Brazilian’s knees buckled, and before he could begin his descent, the referee intervention was immediate, as Salikhov walked away from his vanquished foe, a 42-second knockout, a career resurgence, and a warning shot to the division all in one.
MUSLIM SALIKHOV KNOCKS OUT CARLOS LEAL IN THE FIRST ROUND!!!! #UFCAbuDhabipic.twitter.com/EhvKiwJ8QJ
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) July 26, 2025
The Signature Callout: “Wonderboy, Let’s Go!”
Barely pausing to savor the moment, Salikhov made his intentions crystal clear. Turning toward the camera, he let the world know exactly what he wanted: “Wonderboy, let’s go!” The words were simple, but the implications were tantalizing—a clash between two of the most decorated strikers ever to grace the octagon, each representing a different school of martial arts mastery.
Muslim Salikhov calls out Stephen Thompson after his win. Ummm, yeah, I'll gladly take that #UFCAbuDhabi
— Nolan King (@mma_kings) July 26, 2025
For Salikhov, this wasn’t the first time he’d voiced his desire for Thompson. Following previous spectacular knockouts, he has repeatedly stated that facing “Wonderboy” would be the ultimate martial arts showcase: Kung Fu versus Karate, sanda versus kickboxing, a stylistic dream for purists and casuals alike.
A Second Wind and a Welterweight Revival
What makes Salikhov’s performance all the more remarkable is its context. The Dagestani legend, once considered past his prime after a series of difficult losses—has now strung together consecutive, spectacular wins. Analysts speculated that Leal’s athleticism and barrage of strikes would prove overwhelming, but Salikhov’s experience, defensive sharpness, and unrivaled sense of timing delivered a masterclass in veteran composure. He landed just two shots of significance, but in the fight game, sometimes that’s all it takes.
The ability to recapture the exuberance and precision of youth, especially at 40, is a rare martial arts alchemy. Salikhov’s discipline and commitment to his craft, refined through decades competing in sanda at the highest level, were evident for all to see. Many believed the “King of Kung Fu” was simply a gatekeeper now. On this night, he was the main attraction.
The question now looming over the welterweight division: Will Stephen “Wonderboy” Thompson accept Salikhov’s challenge? Thompson, a two-time title challenger and perennial fan favorite, is scheduled for his own return bout against Gabriel Bonfim at UFC Nashville on July 12. At 42, Thompson—himself a striking virtuoso and proud torchbearer of karate in MMA,may see in Salikhov a kindred spirit and a fitting dance partner for what could be the last great striking duel of his career.
The storyline writes itself. Both men are revered for their technical striking brilliance and highlight-reel finishes. Thompson’s karate-laced creativity meets Salikhov’s kung fu explosiveness—a clash purists have long dreamed to witness. While “Wonderboy” is currently focused on his own resurgence, Salikhov’s emphatic win and passionate callout have made it nearly impossible for fans and matchmakers to ignore the spectacle that could be.
As the lights dimmed in Abu Dhabi, Muslim Salikhov stood tall, not just over a fallen Carlos Leal, but over doubts about his place in a new generation of MMA. In just 42 seconds, he did more than win a fight: he reclaimed his narrative, bounded into the conversation for high-profile matchups, and reignited hope for every fighter staring down the passage of time.
