The time has come for the Co-Main Event at UFC Denver as we’re set to bring you a betting prediction and pick for this exciting bout between strikers in the Welterweight (170) Division. UFC veterans will square-off as Argentina’s Santiago Ponzinibbio takes on Russia’s Muslim Salikhov. Check out our UFC odds series for our Ponzinibbio-Salikhov prediction and pick.
Santiago Ponzinibbio (29-7) has gone 11-6 during his UFC career since 2013. He’s gone just 2-4 in his last 6 bouts and while he recently beat Alex Morono with an exciting knockout, he was finished by a left hook from Kevin Holland in the waning minutes of the final round in his last bout. He’ll look to rebound with a win here. Ponzinibbio stands 6’0″ with a 73-inch reach.
Muslim Salikhov (19-5) has gone 6-4 during his UFC stint since 2017. After notching five straight victories in the promotion, he’s gone just 1-3 over his last four bouts. His most recent bout was a TKO-loss to Randy Brown in the first round. Now, he must pivot and face yet another challenging striker as the betting underdog. Salikhov stands 5’11” with a 70-inch reach.
Here are the UFC Denver Odds, courtesy of BetOnline.
UFC Denver Odds: Santiago Ponzinibbio-Muslim Salikhov Odds
Santiago Ponzinibbio: -181
Muslim Salikhov: +156
Over 1.5 rounds: -210
Under 1.5 rounds: +170
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Why Santiago Ponzinibbio Will Win
Santiago Ponzinibbio is desperately looking for another win as he’s recently been sliding by his standards. He’s been facing very tough competition lately and it’s clear the UFC is trying to test and see if he can break through back into the rankings. Ponzinibbio is very balanced with his striking and he does a good job of staying sound defensively. He’ll need to keep his guard up as his opponent is a seasoned kickboxer, but Ponzinibbio should have an advantage here if he’s able to utilize his movement. He’s a much better athlete than Salikhov and his physical tools could carry him throughout this fight.
To be successful against Salikhov, Ponzinibbio will have to mix up his looks and become the aggressor. If he sits around and waits to counter Salikhov, it could become a stalemate as neither fighter looks to engage. Ponzinibbio needs to be constantly pressuring and in the face of his opponent. With his boxing hands being faster and his ability to circle around opponents, Ponzinibbio should be able to withstand the early pressure and take this fight to the ground, grinding a decision win.
Why Muslim Salikhov Will Win
Muslim Salikhov also had an unfortunate end to his last fight as he was met by a much taller, rangier striker in Randy Brown. Salikhov certainly struggles with some of his distance control against longer guys, but he’ll have an equal physical match during this fight against his opponent. Salikhov is a former kickboxing champion and at 40 years old, he still has the passion and drive to continue fighting. While he’s lost a step in terms of his speed and reaction, his defense remains very solid and his power hasn’t wavered much. He takes some time to get going, but he’s dangerous once he settles into his comfortable striking rhtyhm.
Muslim Salikhov can win this fight if he’s able to crowd his opponent and remain calm upon his entries. His movement isn’t typically very explosive, so he could look to slowly walk Ponzinibbio against the cage and cut his own movement off. From there, Salikhov is very good with his calf and body kicks while following up with strikes to the head. If he can find the right opening and get Ponzinibbio to drop his hands, we could see him land a vintage head kick en route to a win.
Final Santiago Ponzinibbio-Muslim Salikhov Prediction & Pick
This will be a fun Co-Main event between two veterans and both men are in dire need for a win on their records following recent losses. We should see this fight take place on the feet as both men are willing strikers. Salikhov is a champion kickboxer and Ponzinibbio has had his fair share of wars inside the UFC octagon.
The movement of Santiago Ponzinibbio will be key during this fight as he stands to control the distance against Salikhov. We give the edge in power to Salikhov, but Ponzinibbio could be more fit to stand three rounds and take this to the distance. Either way, I think the athleticism and ability to constantly circled will be the difference for Ponzinibbio.
For our betting, we have to roll with the betting favorite to get this win. Muslim Salikhov is nearing the end of his career and it’s shown in his last few fights. While we should be treated to an exciting striking exchange, I expect Santiago Ponzinibbio to get this win on the back of his dynamic wrestling and consistent boxing.
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Final Santiago Ponzinibbio-Muslim Salikhov Prediction & Pick: Santiago Ponzinibbio (-181); OVER 1.5 Rounds (-210)
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