The bout between Muslim Salikhov and Jake Matthews scheduled for the UFC event on May 30 has been canceled. Salikhov underwent arm surgery, forcing him out of the matchup. The post confirms the cancellation and identifies the specific opponent and date that were affected. No replacement fight or timeline for Salikhov's return was mentioned in the announcement.
A welterweight matchup between Muslim Salikhov and Jake Matthews that was set for the UFC card on May 30 has been called off after Salikhov underwent arm surgery, removing him from the bout entirely.
Salikhov, known as "King of Kung Fu," carries a 22-6 record and competes out of the Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov School in Russia. The 42-year-old orthodox striker stands five-foot-eleven with a 70-inch reach and lands 3.37 significant strikes per minute at a 49 percent accuracy rate, making him one of the more technically precise strikers in the division. No timeline for his return has been announced following the procedure.
Matthews, the Australian known as "The Celtic Kid," enters with a 22-8 record and trains out of Nexus. The 31-year-old also stands five-foot-eleven but holds a slight reach advantage at 73 inches. He produces 3.34 significant strikes per minute and adds a grappling dimension to his game, averaging 1.44 takedowns and 0.8 submission attempts per 15 minutes. No replacement opponent has been named for him at this stage.
Why it matters
- Salikhov's arm surgery carries an uncertain recovery window, leaving his next scheduled appearance unknown
- Matthews loses a high-profile striking matchup and will need a new opponent if he is to remain on the May 30 card
- Both fighters sit in a crowded welterweight landscape, and any extended absence or reshuffling affects divisional positioning for each man
