Li Jingliang vs. Muslim Salikhov is scheduled for three rounds in the welterweight division as a featured attraction at tonight’s edition of UFC Fight Night on ABC in Long Island. This crossroads clash pits two welterweights who are running out of time and chances to make a major fight happen.
Salikhov, winner of his last five fights, is installed by UFC odds as the narrow favorite at -165. Jingliang, the younger and more active of the two, is a +140 underdog.
Here are our best free UFC Fight Night: Jingliang vs. Salikhov picks and predictions for July 16.
Jingliang vs Salikhov fight odds
Live odds courtesy of bet365.
Jingliang vs Salikhov method of victory odds
| Method of Victory | Li Jingliang | Muslim Salikhov |
|---|---|---|
| To win by KO/TKO | +360 | +300 |
| To win by Points | +460 | +170 |
| To win by Submission | +1,400 | +1,200 |
| Draw | +5,000 | +5,000 |
Odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook on July 13, 2022.
Jingliang vs Salikhov picks
Click on each prediction to jump to the full analysis.
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Jingliang vs Salikhov betting preview
After losing his debut UFC bout, Salikhov has rattled off five straight wins. The durable Russian savaged Francisco Trinaldo 13 months ago and will have to work off some ring rust in this crossroads bout against Jingliang. At 38, Salikhov is hoping a win will propel him into a meaningful fight as his career winds down.
On average, Salikhov lands 3.13 significant strikes per minute at 48% accuracy and only absorbs 2.36 in return. The methodical striker is great at avoiding the mat as he defends against 81% of takedown attempts. In 18 career wins, 12 have come by way of knockout.
Jingliang is coming in hoping to erase the memory of his last fight. Khamzat Chimaev went right at him and choked him out before he had a chance to throw a punch last October. “Leech” is 3-2 in his last five and seems destined to be outside the bubble of the welterweight elite. A strong grappler with decent striking skills, Jingliang has never lost back-to-back fights in his career.
A fighter who can do it all, Jingliang lands 4.42 significant strikes per minute and scores 1.25 takedowns per fight. He’s excellent with his ground and pound and is physical enough to hold his own in prolonged exchanges. The Beijing native has five submission wins, and Salikhov’s previous losses came by rear naked chokes.
These two could end up being the fight of the night as they need to work on the inside to do their best work. Salikhov has to overcome slight disadvantages in height and reach to bully Jingliang backward, but this fight could become a war of attrition because Jingliang will be hunting for a submission.
Jingliang vs Salikhov tale of the tape
| Li Jingliang | Muslim Salikhov | |
|---|---|---|
| 34 | Age | 38 |
| 6-foot-0 | Height | 5-foot-11 |
| 171 lbs | Weight | 171 lbs |
| 71.5 inches | Reach | 70 inches |
| 18-7 (9 KOs) | Record | 18-2 (12 KOs) |
Jingliang vs Salikhov UFC prediction and best bet
Our prediction is compiled from the analysis of the fighters and is an indication of who we are leaning with to win this bout.
Our best bet is the play that we like the most for this fight or where the most value lies, and is where we would put some of our bankroll behind.
Prediction: Salikhov ML
Salikhov’s recent success shows he can still bring it, and his crisp striking combined with his ability to defend against the takedown puts him at a big advantage, style-wise. He’s still performing well and has enough left to outlast Jingliang, even as he inches closer to 40. His experience, chin, and considerable striking power should keep Jingliang honest as the two engage in a give-and-take fight.
Jingliang’s loss to Chimaev looked so effortless that the impact has carried over into this bout. He is going to be motivated to put the embarrassing loss behind him and get back on track but Salikhov’s measured attack will counteract Jingliang’s offense.
We’re rolling with the Russian to keep the fight standing and potshot his way to a hard-fought victory.
Prediction: Muslim Salikhov moneyline (-165 at DraftKings)
Best bet: Salikhov to win by points
We’re going with the “King of Kung Fu'' to pull this off, but he’s going to have his hands full. Jingliang’s power will keep him honest and the threat of submissions will be ever looming. Salikhov is the better overall striker, and he’s physically capable enough to get back to his feet should he get taken down.
Because both Jingliang and Salikhov have excellent chins, there’s little chance of a stoppage unless the Russian falls victim to a submission. With that being said, Salikhov earning the victory on the cards is our best bet for this fight.
Pick: Muslim Salikhov to win by points (+150 at DraftKings)
