Callout Collection: Who UFC Singapore winners want next – and how likely they’ll get them

Callout Collection: Who UFC Singapore winners want next – and how likely they’ll get them

Earning wins in the UFC is certainly no easy task, but what comes next is often even more important: the post-fight callout.

So after Saturday’s UFC on ESPN+ 20 event in Singapore, who took advantage of their time on the mic? See below for this week’s Callout Collection – and just how realistic each one is.

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First up, let’s take a look at the night’s prelim winners.

Muslim Salikhov

Wants to fight: Li Jingliang

The callout: “I want to invite to fight Li Jingliang. He is a big star in China. I also have a lot of fans there, so it could be a good fight for China. I think a lot of people wait for this match.”

The reality: Muslim Salikhov (16-2 MMA, 3-1 UFC) took a wise approach to his selection of opponent, not necessarily focusing in on rankings or title shots but rather geographical needs for bankable draws. The “King of Kung Fu” is a Russian native but spent time living in China while competing in Wushu and Sanda competitions. Salikhov’s popularity in the nation was the reason his UFC debut was booked in China in November 2017, and though he slipped up that night, he’s since battled back for three consecutive wins.

The tougher sell may be Jingliang (17-5 MMA, 9-3 UFC). While he is, indeed, a fast-rising star in his native China, he’s also likely looking to compete on an international stage, as well. At 7-1 in his past eight UFC appearances – and with back-to-back “Performance of the Night” bonuses to his name, “The Leech” is on the cusp of breaking into the 170-pound rankings, but needs more eyeballs to do it than a Chinese Fight Night event might provide.

Still, the UFC is high on developing its brand in China, and if the money and opponent are right, maybe Jingliang is willing to book one more home game.

Demian Maia

Wants to fight: Diego Sanchez

The callout: “Diego Sanchez is somebody that has been calling me out for years and is like a veteran fighter. Maybe let’s see. If people like (the fight), I can do.”

The reality: Twelve years into his octagon run, Demian Maia is unquestionably a legend in both the UFC and Brazilian jiu-jitsu communities. But at 41, the crafty veteran admits the end is near and is looking for two more fights before calling it a career.

Meanwhile Sanchez (29-12 MMA, 18-12 UFC) has actually enjoyed an even longer UFC run, and though he’s 37, appears nowhere near ready to say he’s done. That said, the number of wars Sanchez has been through in his legendary career has left many concerned about his well-being. So if head trauma is a viable concern, why not face off with someone who actually takes pride in inflicting as little physical damage as possible en route to claiming victory.

Two UFC legends, both on the backside of their careers. They’ve never faced off before, and neither has any more pressing matchups in the cards. It just makes sense.