The UFC on ABC 9 prelims in Abu Dhabi feature a compelling welterweight showdown between spinning-strike specialist Muslim Salikhov and hard-charging Brazilian Carlos Leal. Both fighters bring knockout power and years of experience, but their paths to success differ: Salikhov relies on timing and creativity, while Leal overwhelms with pressure and grit.

Muslim Salikhov
A former Sanda world champion, Muslim Salikhov (21–5) is one of the most dynamic strikers in the division, known for his spinning attacks and surgical timing. At 40 years old, the “King of Kung Fu” is coming off a highlight-reel spinning wheel kick KO over Song Kenan in November 2024, showcasing he still has explosive finishing ability. With 14 of his 21 wins by knockout, Salikhov thrives when he can dictate distance and pace.

However, he’s shown vulnerability against pressure fighters. Losses to Randy Brown and Li Jingliang exposed issues with durability and defensive grappling. Despite his age, Salikhov remains dangerous for anyone willing to play a technical striking game. He also holds wins over Santiago Ponzinibbio and Francisco Trinaldo, proving he can edge out veterans in close decisions.

Muslim Salikhov – Last 5 Fights:
Win vs. Song Kenan – KO (Spinning Wheel Kick) – UFC FN: Yan vs. Figueiredo, Nov 23, 2024
Win vs. Santiago Ponzinibbio – Decision (Split) – UFC on ESPN, Jul 13, 2024
Loss vs. Randy Brown – KO (Punches) – UFC FN: Dolidze vs. Imavov, Feb 3, 2024
Loss vs. Nicolas Dalby – Decision (Unanimous) – UFC on ESPN, Jun 17, 2023
Win vs. André Fialho – TKO (Spinning Kick and Punches) – UFC FN: Nzechukwu vs. Cuțelaba, Nov 19, 2022

Carlos Leal
Carlos “The Lion” Leal (22–6) is a surging welterweight with momentum on his side. The Brazilian striker has gone 4–1 in his last five, including a first-round TKO over UFC vet Alex Morono in March. With 11 knockouts and a 50% KO rate, Leal prefers chaos—applying forward pressure, walking opponents down, and throwing heavy combinations.

Leal, 31, is in his athletic prime and has experience in PFL, LFA, and UAE Warriors. He’s never been finished and has a granite chin, which could be key against Salikhov’s flash offense. While his grappling is serviceable, he typically keeps fights standing, where his volume and pace wear down opponents. His split-decision loss to elite striker Sadibou Sy shows he can hang with technical fighters, even in defeat.

Carlos Leal – Last 5 Fights:
Win vs. Alex Morono – TKO (Punches) – UFC 313, Mar 8, 2025
Loss vs. Rinat Fakhretdinov – Decision (Unanimous) – UFC 308, Oct 26, 2024
Win vs. Manuel Mena – TKO (Punches) – LFA 187, Jul 6, 2024
Win vs. Marcio Braga – TKO (Punches) – UAE Warriors 48, Mar 3, 2024
Loss vs. Sadibou Sy – Decision (Split) – PFL 9, Aug 23, 2023

This matchup pits Salikhov’s precision and technique against Leal’s aggression and durability. Salikhov’s path to victory is clear: keep it at range, pick his shots, and catch Leal coming in with counters or spinning attacks. For Leal, the key is relentless pressure, forcing exchanges, and breaking Salikhov’s rhythm.

Salikhov is aging, and while his skill is still sharp, his ability to handle volume and power is in question. Leal, on the other hand, is battle-tested, fresher, and more active in recent years. If he can avoid getting caught early, his pace may be too much for the veteran to handle.

Prediction:
Carlos Leal def. Muslim Salikhov via TKO (Punches) – Round 2