A dynamic portrait of Muslim Salikhov, a mixed martial artist in a fighting stance, exuding power and intensity. He is surrounded by subtle, glowing Chinese characters and wisps of energy, blending traditional Kung Fu aesthetics with a modern combat sports setting. Cinematic lighting, sharp focus, highly detailed.
Muslim Salikhov: The King of Kung Fu
Early Career and Background
Muslim Salikhov, born on June 9, 1984, in Makhachkala, Dagestan, Russia, is a professional mixed martial artist competing in the UFC's welterweight division. Known by his nickname "The King of Kung Fu," Salikhov brings a unique background to the octagon, having previously competed in various combat sports including Wushu Sanda, where he achieved significant success.
Before transitioning to MMA, Salikhov established himself as one of the most accomplished Sanda fighters in the world, winning multiple world championships and earning a reputation for his spectacular striking techniques. His background in traditional Chinese martial arts sets him apart from many of his contemporaries in the UFC.
UFC Career Highlights
Spectacular Knockout at UFC Macau
On November 23, 2024, at UFC Macau, Salikhov delivered one of the most memorable performances of his career, scoring a spectacular first-round knockout against Song Kenan with a spinning wheel kick. This remarkable finish made him the first fighter in UFC history to achieve multiple finishes using this technique, cementing his reputation as one of the most dynamic strikers in the welterweight division.
Quick Victory at UFC Abu Dhabi
Continuing his impressive run, Salikhov secured another dominant victory on July 26, 2025, at UFC Abu Dhabi. He flattened Carlos Leal with a brutal one-punch, walk-off knockout just 42 seconds into the fight. The swift nature of this victory demonstrated Salikhov's continued evolution as a fighter and his ability to finish opponents quickly and decisively.
Following this impressive win, Salikhov called out veteran striker Stephen "Wonderboy" Thompson, expressing interest in a future bout that would pit two of the division's most technical strikers against each other.
Fighting Style and Techniques
Salikhov's fighting style is characterized by his exceptional striking arsenal, heavily influenced by his Sanda background. He is known for:
- Spinning Techniques: His wheel kicks and spinning back fists have become signature moves
- Precision Striking: Accurate and powerful punches that can end fights quickly
- Unorthodox Angles: Creative striking from unusual positions
- Knockout Power: The ability to finish fights with single strikes
His background in Sanda gives him a unique advantage in the stand-up game, allowing him to utilize techniques that are less common in traditional MMA striking.
Current Status and Future Prospects
As of November 2025, Salikhov is scheduled to face Uroš Medić at UFC Fight Night: Bonfim vs. Brown. This matchup presents another opportunity for "The King of Kung Fu" to showcase his skills and continue his climb up the welterweight rankings.
At 41 years old, Salikhov has demonstrated remarkable longevity in a sport known for its physical demands. His recent performances have shown that he remains a dangerous opponent for anyone in the division and continues to evolve as a fighter despite his age.
Legacy and Impact
Muslim Salikhov's career represents a bridge between traditional martial arts and modern mixed martial arts. His success in the UFC has helped validate the effectiveness of Sanda techniques in high-level MMA competition. As "The King of Kung Fu," he has brought a unique and exciting style to the octagon, earning the respect of fans and fellow fighters alike with his spectacular finishes and technical prowess.
His continued success in the UFC welterweight division serves as an inspiration to martial artists from diverse backgrounds, proving that traditional martial arts can be effectively adapted for modern combat sports competition.
The prompt for this was: muslim salikhov
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