UFC Macau: Song Kenan vs. Muslim Salikhov: Live round-by-round updates
The UFC Macau Song Kenan vs. Muslim Salikhov round-by-round updates are here to provide fans with real-time coverage and live scoring. Song and Salikhov lock horns in a welterweight bout of MMA veterans. The event itself is set to start at 3:00 AM E.T. (Eastern Time) / 12:00 AM P.T. (Pacific Time).
However, the clash between Song and Salikhov, which both men hope will set UFC Macau alight, is estimated to start at around 6:00 AM E.T. / 3:00 AM P.T. Neither man is a spring chicken heading into their three-round matchup. Moreover, they're more than likely fighting for a roster spot on Saturday.
Song, known as 'The Assassin,' has struggled as of late, unable to string together even two wins since Feb. 23, 2020, nearly five years ago. While he recently outworked Ricky Glenn at UFC 305, he is still 2-3 in his last five fights, and Salikhov is in a similar position. In fact, he is in the exact same position.
The Dagestani 170-pounder recently beat Santiago Ponzinibbio via split-decision at UFC on ESPN 59, but it was his first win since losing back-to-back to Randy Brown and Nicolas Dalby. At 2-3 in his last five fights, he has found himself in unranked territory alongside Song.
However, he is still expected to beat Song, with DraftKings Sportsbook listing him as a -185 favorite, while Song is a +154 underdog.
Follow Sportskeeda for play-by-play analysis and live scoring of the welterweight fight.
UFC Macau: Song Kenan vs. Muslim Salikhov
Round 1: Both men gauge each other from a distance before Salikhov lands a nice low kick. He follows up with more, backing Song up. A spinning back-kick to the body lands for Salikhov, who then checks a low kick from Song. Salikhov with a one-two, then a front kick to the body.
Song finally gets something off, a spinning heel kick that's partially blocked. However, Salikhov counters with a jab. Song appears to rock Salikhov with a big shot, but immediately pursues a takedown. Salikhov defends well and they end up against the fence, where Song lands an illegal knee to the groin.
The referee pauses the action for the low blow. The round resumes and Salikhov lands a nice low kick before catching a kick from Song, tripping him to the mat. He lets him back up, blasting his lead leg with a low kick. Long leaping left hook lands for Salikhov.
A massive spinning heel kick from Salikhov floors Song! Some ground-and-pound later and Song is out.
Official Decision: Muslim Salikhov def. Song Kenan via knockout in round one (3:49)