A few years ago, the Chinese Kenan Song would have had virtually no chance against Muslim Salikhov. However, the Russian Sanda specialist is now 40 years old and it seems that he can fall apart after every fight, although in his last fight he still managed to score a split-decision victory over another old vet, Santiago Ponzinibbio.

Still, Salikhov is 2-3 in his last five and must either slow the pace or accelerate to finish easily in the third round.

The problem with Kenan Song is that while he has a certain amount of strength and skill on his feet, his volume lets him down. Song is caught taking pictures and lecturing for far too long, failing to point out the advantages he has even as enemies are injured before his eyes.

This fits perfectly into the game plan of ‘The King of Kung-Fu.’ Salikhov will look to use his well-trained, sleek Sanda-style kicking attack to keep distance and score points as he tries to make a decision.

Song may also confuse it, but Muslim is known for his wrestling defense, having trained against wrestlers in Russia all his life. Still, using the clinch can be a way to control Salikhov and do damage with short attacks. The old fighter conserves his energy and has no desire to make explosive movements to escape such positions.

Salikhov is still the top choice, but it’s entirely possible that Kenan Song also picks up his first knockout since 2020 if the 40-year-old former welterweight is too far past it. However, a lukewarm decision for both men is more likely than a knockout.