Muslim Salikhov plans to knock out Carlos Leal, then call out Stephen Thompson
Salikhov (21-5 MMA, 8-4 UFC) takes on Carlos Leal (22-6 MMA, 1-1 UFC) in a welterweight bout on Saturday's prelims (ABC, ESPN, ESPN+) at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi.
Leal's past five wins have come by early knockout, and Salikhov knows the Brazilian will bring the fight to him. However, the "King of Kung Fu" doubts Leal will oblige in the striking.
"It's a very tough fight for everybody because this guy is strong, good chin, all the time going forward, trying to pressure," Salikhov told MMA Junkie of Leal. "He's strong, fast, faster than me, stronger than me, but I'm better. I know. I believe that I am better than him. I believe that no one can fight with me in a standup fight. If he's just going to try to do striking with me, I'll knock him out for sure."
Salikhov called out Stephen Thompson (17-9-1 MMA, 12-9-1 UFC) after his spinning wheel kick knockout of Song Kenan in his most recent appearance this past November. Salikhov is yet to get his wish but won't give up on his callout should he get his hand raised against Leal.
"Of course, 'Wonderboy' is a very interesting fight," Salikhov said. "I don't care that he's unranked now. I think I'd like to fight with him since my first win in the UFC, I called him out, and he didn't hear. I don't know why. I do a lot of knockouts, beautiful fights, but he still doesn't want to fight.
"I don't know why, but maybe after this fight. ... This guy very famous in America, so it's a good fight for anyone. We can see who's kung fu is better. He's a striker, karate guy. I'm kung fu. We can understand who's better now. He's (42) years, young guy, me too also. We can try. It's going to be a good fight, exciting for fans."
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