Preview: UFC Fight Night 122 ‘Bisping vs. Gastelum’

Welterweight

Alex Garcia (14-4) vs. Muslim Salikhov (12-1)

ODDS: Salikhov (-220), Garcia (+180)

ANALYSIS: Even a bleary-eyed fan could recognize Garcia as a six-fight UFC veteran, one whose 3-3 Octagon mark would not seem to earmark him as an easy foil for a debuting Russian. However, you have probably seen Salikhov’s exploits, as well, just not via “traditional” media.

Like several of the Russian strikers on this card, Salikhov’s UFC debut was well-chosen in accordance with his wushu-inspired background and the “King of Kung Fu” being a world-class sanda specialist. Nonetheless, Salikhov’s stoppages of Ivan Jorge and Melvin Guillard have gained an audience for his instincts, polishing off both with brilliant spinning attacks. Garcia, a Tristar Gym product, has no interest in absorbing high volumes of potent strikes, yet often remains resigned to the fact due to his inability to put high-level opponents on the floor.

Garcia has been hampered by a bevy of injuries, most notably a blown ACL three years ago, which appears to have undermined the explosive energy that dictated his game. Now, the Dominican Republic native seems more willing than ever to wait around and allow his opponents to engage. Garcia will have chances to grab his opponent mid-strike and seize a takedown, yet his willingness to back up to the fence and allow Salikhov to dictate the terms of standup seems like a death wish here.

Garcia has shown a sturdy chin and may be able to withstand 15 minutes of an exotic striking barrage from the Russian, but his own style is so clinch-oriented, so defined by physical prowess, that it is hard to imagine grabbing hold of the slippery, striking Cinderella and making an impact. If Salikhov does not author a bonus-bound knockout, he should at least dominate the range, distance and volume of striking and more than outwork the passive Garcia en route to a unanimous verdict.

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