The bout between Muslim Salikhov and Jake Matthews scheduled for UFC Macau has been canceled. Salikhov withdrew from the matchup due to an upcoming elbow surgery that he needs to undergo. The cancellation was reported by source KevinK. No information is provided about whether Matthews will receive a replacement opponent or whether the fight will be rescheduled for a later date. The nature or severity of Salikhov's elbow injury requiring surgery is not detailed.
Muslim Salikhov has pulled out of his scheduled welterweight bout against Jake Matthews at UFC Macau, with the Russian fighter set to undergo elbow surgery. The cancellation removes what would have been a compelling matchup from the card, and no information has been provided on whether Matthews will receive a replacement opponent or whether the fight could be rebooked at a later date.
Salikhov, known as "King of Kung Fu," carries a 22-6 record and is 42 years old, representing Russia and training out of the Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov School. The orthodox striker stands five-foot-eleven with a 70-inch reach and has shown consistent output throughout his career, landing 3.37 significant strikes per minute at 49 percent accuracy. He also averages 1.07 takedowns per 15 minutes, making him a well-rounded threat at 170 pounds.
Matthews, the 31-year-old Australian known as "The Celtic Kid," holds a 22-8 record and trains with Nexus. He matches Salikhov in height at five-foot-eleven but owns a slightly longer 73-inch reach. Matthews lands 3.34 significant strikes per minute and supplements his striking game with 1.44 takedowns per 15 minutes and 0.8 submission attempts per 15 minutes, giving him a more grappling-oriented edge in his overall approach.
Why it matters
- Salikhov's elbow surgery adds to his injury concerns at 42, raising questions about his timeline for returning to competition.
- Matthews loses a high-profile opponent and is left without a confirmed path forward on the UFC Macau card.
- The stylistic contrast between Salikhov's striking precision and Matthews' grappling-heavy game made the bout an intriguing welterweight contest.
