UFC on ESPN 59 results: Muslim Salikhov receives split decision over stunned Santiago Ponzinibbio

The biggest victory of Muslim SalikhovMichael’s career breakthrough came just weeks after his 40th birthday in the form of a triumph over Santiago Ponzinibbio at the UFC on ESPN 59 co-main event.

Salikhov (20-5 MMA, 7-4 UFC) avoided the first three-fight losing skid of his career and got back on the winning track Saturday with a split decision win over Ponzinibbio (29-8 MMA, 11-7 UFC) in their welterweight showdown at Ball Arena in Denver.

The “King of Kung Fu” used striking to his advantage once again for scores of 28-29, 29-28 and 29-28 after being face to face for most of the three rounds and overcoming the exchanges in the eyes of the judges .

Avoiding Ponzinibbio’s pressure was key for Salikhov. He used footwork and movement to create angles against the oncoming opponent and uncorked some of his signature spinning attacks when opportunities presented themselves.

Ponzinibbio attempted takedowns in several spots, but Salikhov managed to avoid any damage and landed a headshot in the end.

“Ponzinibbio is a very experienced guy,” Salikhov said in a post-fight interview with Paul Felder. “I respect him a lot, but today I had the best team, the best game plan and I followed it. That’s why this happened. It wasn’t easy, but it’s okay. I got the victory.”

With the victory, Salikhov raises his hand for the first time since November 2022. Ponzinibbio, meanwhile, falls to 2-5 in his last seven fights since January 2021, which marked his return to competition after a multi-year layoff due to to health problems.

Updated UFC on ESPN 59 results include:

• Muslim Salikhov defeated. Santiago Ponzinibbio via split decision (28-29, 29-28, 29-28)

• Jean Silva defeated. Drew Dober via TKO (medical stoppage) – Round 3, 1:28

• Gabriel Bonfim defeated. Ange Loosa by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)

• Julian Erosa defeated. Christian Rodriguez via submission (guillotine) – Round 1, 4:49

• Abdul Razak Alhassan vs. Cody Brundage no contest (accidental illegal attacks) – Round 1, 0:37

• Charles Johnson defeated. Joshua Van by knockout (punches) – Round 3, 0:20

• Jasmine Jasudavicius defeated. Fátima Kline by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

• Montel Jackson defeated. Da’Mon Blackshear by KO (punch) – Round 1, 0:18

• Luana Santos won. Mariya Agapova via submission (rear naked choke) – Round 1, 3:27

• André Petroski defeated. Josh Fremd by unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)

• Evan Elder defeated. Darrius Flowers via submission (arm triangle choke) – Round 2, 1:46

For more information on the card, visit the MMA Junkie events hub to UFC on ESPN 59.

This story originally appeared on MMA Junkie