Santiago Ponzinibbio vs. Muslim Salikhov prediction, pick, start time, odds for UFC on ESPN 59

Santiago Ponzinibbio and Muslim Salikhov meet Saturday in the co-main event of UFC on ESPN 59 from Ball Arena in Denver. Check out this quick breakdown of the matchup from MMA Junkie analyst Dan Tom. 

Last event: 2-2
UFC main cards, 2024: 54-51-2

Santiago Ponzinibbio vs. Muslim Salikhov UFC on ESPN 59 preview

Ponzinibbio (29-7 MMA, 11-6 UFC) once seemed on a path toward a UFC welterweight title shot while on a seven-fight winning streak from 2015 to 2018, but things have changed in recent years. Now 37, Ponzinibbio’s career has been marred by injuries and losses as he’s gone 2-4 since 2021. He most recently competed in April 2023, losing by third-round knockout to Kevin Holland at UFC 287. … Salikhov (19-5 MMA, 6-4 UFC) has taken a similar path to his career. Once on a five-fight winning streak, Salikhov, 40, has hit a rough patch, losing three of his past four bouts since July 2022. He’s currently on a two-fight skid with a unanimous decision loss to Nicolas Dalby and most recently a first-round knockout by Randy Brown this past February.

Santiago Ponzinibbio vs. Muslim Salikhov UFC on ESPN 59 expert pick, prediction

The co-main event in Denver features a welterweight showdown between Ponzinibbio and Salikhov.

These two are clearly in their post-primes, but I’m happy to see veterans like Ponzinibbio and Salikhov getting some shine in a featured spot. That said, despite being a big fan of Ponzinibbio, I was admittedly a little surprised to see him favored in this fight.

Don’t get me wrong: the stylistic dynamic of Ponzinibbio’s superior pace and stamina presents an obvious on-paper path for the Argentine, I’m just not so sure that the 37-year-old’s durability is still good enough to support said game.

Salikhov has certainly been on the wrong side of strikes and stoppages at the age of 40, but the quality and amount of damage sustained between the two are not equal.

Ponzinibbio, for example, has been absorbing roughly double the amount of strikes that Salikhov has over the last half-decade and has been getting dropped by everything from legit shots to off-balance arm punches.

Add in the kicking openings that Ponzinibbio’s boxing-centric stance provides, and I can’t help but side with Salikhov to find an early finish in round 1.

Santiago Ponzinibbio vs. Muslim Salikhov UFC on ESPN 59 odds

The oddsmakers and the public favor the Argentinian fighter, listing Ponzinibbio at -205 and Salikhov +164 via FanDuel.

Santiago Ponzinibbio vs. Muslim Salikhov UFC on ESPN 59 start time, how to watch

As the co-main event, Ponzinibbio and Salikhov are expected to make their walks to the cage at approximately 12:05 a.m. ET (10:05 p.m. local time in Denver). The fight airs on ESPN and streams live on ESPN+.