UFC on ABC 3: Muslim Salikhov vs Li Jingliang Picks, Predictions, Odds

Li Jingliang and Muslim Salikhov fight Saturday in UFC on ABC 3 at the UBS Arena. Li enters this fight with a 18-7 record and has won 50 percent of his fights by knockout. Salikhov enters this fight with a 18-2 record and has won 67 percent of his fights by knockout. 

Li has won 7 of his last 10 fights and is coming off an October loss to Khamzat Chimaev. Li is averaging 4.42 significant strikes per minute, with an accuracy percentage of 42 percent. Li is averaging 1.25 takedowns with an accuracy percentage of 39 percent. Li is coming off a submission loss at UFC 267 where he didn’t land a single strike. It was the first time Li was finished since 2015, and he hopes to avoid back-to-back losses for the first time in his career. Li is now 10-5 under the UFC banner, and he’s produced knockouts in his last 3 wins. Li is a black belt in BJJ, with power in both hands and impressive defense on the feet. Li is also an effective takedown artist who has 4 career submission victories. A balanced fighter from China, Li has produced finished overall in 13 of his 18 victories. Li has never been knocked out in his career. This will be Li’s first career fight in New York.

Salikhov has won 10 of his last 11 fights and is coming off a June (2021) win over Francisco Trinaldo. Salikhov is averaging 3.13 significant strikes per minute, with an accuracy percentage of 48 percent. Salikhov is averaging 1.12 takedowns with an accuracy percentage of 38 percent. Salikhov is coming off a decision victory at UFC Fight Night 189 where he landed 71 total strikes and produced 2 takedowns. Salikhov is now riding a five-fight winning streak and is 5-1 under the UFC banner. Salikhov is an interesting fighter who has a background in Wushu Sanda and kickboxing, so he’s constantly busy with his legs and throws a wide variety at his opponent. Also, a blue belt in BJJ, Salikhov is very busy with his approach and is defending 68 percent of his strikes through 6 UFC fights. Salikhov also has a background in Shuai jiao, so his wrestling is up-to-date, and he can hold his own on the canvas if needed. This will be Salikhov’s first career fight in New York.

This has a chance to be the best fight on the card, as both of these guys are well-balanced and have finish ability. I can understand why Salikhov is the favorite because he’s more accurate with his strikes and has the better defense as well. However, I have too much respect for Li’s game to turn him down in the underdog role. Li has never been knocked out in his career, and this fight is likely going to spend a lot of time on the feet.

Toss up fight, give me the guy paying out plus money.