Ignacio Bahamondes made an immediate statement in his welterweight debut, outpointing veteran Muslim Salikhov in a technical striking battle at Noche UFC.

The Chilean entered Saturday’s matchup looking to snap a two-fight losing streak, while the 42-year-old Salikhov was attempting to rebound from his loss to Uros Medic. Despite the 13-year age gap, both fighters settled into a measured kickboxing battle on the Noche UFC prelims, exchanging kicks, spinning attacks and counters from range.

Bahamondes gradually began taking control with his size, movement and higher output. Salikhov landed some sharp spinning techniques of his own and repeatedly caught Bahamondes’ head kicks, briefly putting him on the canvas. However, Bahamondes consistently returned to his feet and resumed pressing forward.

Ignacio Bahamondes Controls The Striking Battle At Noche UFC

The second round saw both men trade spinning back kicks, leg kicks and head kicks, with Bahamondes looking increasingly comfortable at welterweight. Salikhov continued finding counters, but Bahamondes finished the round strongly, wobbling the Russian with a clean right hand before attempting to close the show with a spinning kick and flying knee.

Salikhov found another takedown in the third round, but Bahamondes immediately attacked from his back with elbows. The Chilean then returned to his feet and continued throwing combinations, ultimately doing enough to secure the decision on the Noche UFC card.

All three judges scored the fight for Bahamondes, 30-27, 30-27 and 29-28.

The win improved Bahamondes to 18-7 overall and 7-4 in the UFC. His UFC résumé now includes victories over Jalin Turner, Manuel Torres and Christos Giagos

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – MARCH 08: Ignacio Bahamondes of Chile enters the Octagon in a lightweight fight during the UFC 313 event at T-Mobile Arena on March 08, 2025 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC)