Muslim Salikhov to hold upcoming training camp in Denver following UFC win over Ponzinibbio

Santiago Ponzinibbio (red gloves) fights Muslim Salikhov (blue gloves) during UFC Fight Night at Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado, USA on July 13, 2024. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy – USA TODAY Sports

result: Muslim Salikhov defeats Santiago Ponzinibbio by split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
Updated log: Salikhov (20-5 MMA, 7-4 UFC), Ponzinibbio (29-8 MMA, 11-7 UFC) (SD)
Key Stats: Salikhov won the striking battle 69-42.

Santiago Ponzinibbio (red gloves) fights Muslim Salikhov (blue gloves) during UFC Fight Night at Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado, USA on July 13, 2024. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy – USA TODAY Sports

“Ponzinibbio is a very experienced player and I have a lot of respect for him. But today I have the best team. They made the best game plan for me. I followed it and that's why it happened. It wasn't easy, but that's OK, I got the win.”

Santiago Ponzinibbio (red gloves) fights Muslim Salikhov (blue gloves) during UFC Fight Night at Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado, USA on July 13, 2024. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy – USA TODAY Sports

“Yes (coming to Denver early was the right decision). It was my manager's decision. He told me I should have come here earlier.”

Denver, Colorado, USA, July 13, 2024. A ring girl walks around the Octagon between Rose Namajunas (red gloves) and Tracy Cortez (blue gloves) during UFC Fight Night at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy – USA TODAY Sports

“I fell in love with Denver (after coming early to get used to the weather). To me, it's the best city in America. I'll be doing all my camping here from now on.”

To hear more from Salikhov, check out the video of his full post-match interview above.

For more on the card, check out MMA Junkie's UFC on ESPN 59 event hub.