Muslim Salikhov says Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos got him in the first but glad with split win

ABU DHABI – Muslim Salikhov beat Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos with a split decision Saturday on the preliminary card at UFC 251 in Abu Dhabi.

Take a look inside the fight with Salikhov, who picked up his fourth straight win after dropping his UFC debut in 2017.

Result: Muslim Salikhov def. Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos via split decision (30-27, 28-29, 29-28)
Updated records: Salikhov (17-2 MMA, 4-1 UFC) def. Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos (22-7 MMA, 8-3 UFC)
Key stat: Dos Santos won the striking battle 46-40, but got just one judge to side with him.

Salikhov on the fight’s key moment

“I wasn’t surprised, but he got me in the first round with a right hand. It was a surprise, but I was OK. It’s a fight. … I feel that I’m doing my job, like another day at the office. This guy was very tough. I think he’s a top opponent. He can be a top fighter. This is a big win for me.”

Salikhov on being at Fight Island

“Everything’s been great (on ‘Fight Island’). It’s an island for the fighters. We have everything here. They took care of us. We just had to do our job and fight. It was good.”

Salikhov on what he wants next

“I want to fight as soon as possible. I don’t have any injuries.”

To hear more from Salikhov, check out the video of the full post-fight interview above.