Muslim Salikhov Suffers Second Straight Loss, Falls to Ignacio Bahamondes

Muslim Salikhov's difficult run in the UFC welterweight division deepened on September 12, 2026, as he dropped a unanimous decision to Ignacio Bahamondes, suffering his second consecutive defeat.

Salikhov, known as the "King of Kung Fu," entered the bout at 22-6 but now finds himself on a two-fight skid at 42 years old. The Russian fighter, who trains out of the Abdulmanap Nurmagomedov School, stands five-foot-eleven with a 70-inch reach and brings a measured, technical striking game to the cage. He lands 3.37 significant strikes per minute at 49 percent accuracy and has shown a willingness to mix in takedowns at a rate of 1.07 per 15 minutes. Back-to-back losses at this stage of his career raise serious questions about his standing in the division going forward.

Bahamondes, the Chilean prospect nicknamed "La Jaula," improved to 17-7 with the victory and continues to demonstrate why he is one of the more physically imposing fighters in the welterweight pool. At just 29 years old and representing Valle Flow Striking, the six-foot-three fighter carries a 75-inch reach that creates significant problems for shorter opponents. His output is among the highest in the division at nearly six significant strikes per minute, and while he does not pursue takedowns, he has shown a submission threat averaging 0.6 attempts per 15 minutes.

Why it matters

• Salikhov's second straight loss puts his place on the UFC roster in question at age 42
• Bahamondes builds momentum with a dominant performance and strengthens his case for a ranked opponent
• The size and reach advantage Bahamondes held — three inches in height and five inches in reach — proved a central factor in the stylistic matchup
• The result shifts the welterweight landscape for both fighters heading into the remainder of 2026