Muslim Salikhov determined to make UFC title run, wants Neil Magny or top-10 fighter next

Muslim Salikhov is still eyeing UFC gold after getting back in the win column.

LAS VEGAS – [autotag]Muslim Salikhov[/autotag] is still dreaming of fighting for a UFC title.

The veteran welterweight is ready to build another winning streak and make a case for getting a shot at the belt. Salikhov (19-3 MMA, 6-2 UFC) successfully returned to the win column this past Saturday, scoring a TKO over Andre Fialho (16-6 MMA, 2-3 UFC) on the main card of UFC Fight Night 215. It was an impressive finish that earned him a $50,000 Performance of the Night bonus.

The win over Fialho was Salikhov’s first fight since losing to Li Jingliang in July – a defeat that put an end to a five-fight wining streak. Salikhov is ready to build another streak and wants a notable name as the next building block.

“Maybe Neil Magny,” Salikhov told reporters, including MMA Junkie. “I want to fight with him. Maybe him or a good name, a top 10.”

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Salikhov has been fighting professionally since 2011 and in kickboxing since 2006. The 38-year-old feels like he’s running out of time to achieve his dream of becoming a UFC champion. He’s hoping for a quick return and wants to stay busy.

“I don’t have much time. I’m 38 years old,” Salikhov explained. “So I have to go home, because in December my wife will bring one more kid for me, so I have to go there, see him and then comeback to Miami for one more camp. I want to go back on a winning streak and (make a) run to the belt.”

For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC Fight Night 215.

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