UFC Denver: Santiago Ponzinibbio vs. Muslim Salikhov: Live round-by-round updates

Santiago Ponzinibbio vs. Muslim Salikhov at welterweight will serve as the co-main event at UFC Denver.

Ponzinibbio's (29-7) UFC career has definitely seen better days. He is 2-3 in his last five and most recently incurred a third-round KO loss to Kevin Holland at UFC 287 last year.

Despite his recent troubles, the 37-year-old holds credible wins against big names including Sean Strickland, Neil Magny, and Gunnar Nelson among others.

Salikhov (19-5) too has been having a less-than-ideal run at the world's premier promotion in recent times. Much like his opponent, he is also 2-3 in his last five. 'King of Kung Fu' is currently on a two-fight skid.

However, unlike his Ponzinibbio, the 40-year-old is yet to register a win against any top UFC names.

The 'Argentine Dagger' is a -185 favorite over Salikhov (+154 underdog) according to DraftKings Sportsbook.

The main card of the event is underway. Stick with Sportskeeda for live coverage and play-by-play updates from the fight card.

Watch the final face-off between Santiago Ponzinibbio and Muslim Salikhov below:

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UFC Denver: Santiago Ponzinibbio vs. Muslim Salikhov

Round 1

Ponzinibbio is the aggressor, trying to pressure his opponent back on to the cage. Salikhov hit with a leg kick. 'The King of Kunfu' is showing off his skills by employing multiple high kicks.

Slikovh tries to change level but Ponzinibbio effortlessly stuffs the takedown attempt. the 'Argentine Dagger' forces his opponent to the cage but fails to initiate any offensive. Ponzinibbio tips and falls getting out of range of a spinning back fist.

The 'Argentine Dagger' backs his opponent to the cage, cuts off angles, and hits him with a right hook. Slikhov fires back with a hook of his own. A cut has opened up on the bridge of the nose of Salikhov.

Salikhov feints a level chance to throw off Ponzinibbio's offense.

A close round.

Round 2

Slickhov lands partially with a spinning backkick. Ponzinibbio is still dictating the pace of the fight. He is constantly trying to back his opponent to the cage. Salikhov is mixing it up on the feet effortlessly stringing up kicks and punches.

A powerful left hook wobbles Ponzinibbio. The 'Argentine Dagger' seems hurt. His pressure has decreased all of a sudden. An uppercut by Salikhov stops Ponzinnibio's advance in the tracks.

Salikhov times a perfect takedown but get back to his feet quickly. Ponzinibbio lands a crisp one-two on his opponent and 'King off Kung Fu' sneaks in a left hook on the break.

A spinning kick to the head lands for Ponzinibbio. The 'Argentine Dagger' changes level and takes his opponent down.

A close round, but a slight edge for Salikhov.

Round 3

A good round hand to the head lands for Ponzinibbio. Slikhov seems to be trying to lure his opponent into a counter. The frequency of his flashy spinning attacks seems to have decreased.

A teap kick followed by a punch lands for the Russian. Ponzinibbio attempts at level change and forces his opponent onto the canvas. He is trying to take 'King of Kung Fu's' back.

The 'Argentine Dagger' is now attempting to get into a full mount however, Salikhov craftily gets back up to his feet. The fight ends with the fighters clinching near the cage wall.

Stay tuned for the official decision.

Official Decision: Muslim Salikhov def. Santiago Ponzinibbio via split decision. (29-28,29-28,29-28)

Catch the official decision below: