Randy Brown vs. Muslim Salikhov 12/16/23 – UFC 296 will feature another thrilling night of fights on December 16th, 2023. An intriguing welterweight bout between Randy “Rudeboy” Brown and Muslim “King of Kung Fu” Salikhov could have major ramifications for the 170-pound division. As a service to fans looking for predictions, this preview will analyze both fighter’s skills and recent performance – taking into account stats, intangibles and technical abilities to make our official pick on who will raise their hand at this anticipated bout! This preview offers professional handicapping services that analyze both fighters to make predictions about who wins or loses their hand raised.
Randy Brown vs. Muslim Salikhov 12/16/23 Game Info
| When: | Saturday, December 16, 2023 at 6:00 PM ET |
| Where: | T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas, Nevada, USA |
| TV: | ESPN+ |
Randy “Rudeboy” Brown Analysis
Randy Brown comes into this matchup with an impressive 17-5 record compiled primarily from his dangerous striking skills. Standing at 6’3″ with a significant 6-inch reach advantage, Brown uses his long limbs to land punishing blows from distance. He lands 4.38 significant strikes per minute with strong 47% striking accuracy. Digging deeper, Brown’s repertoire consists of crisp jabs, sneaky elbows, and devastating knees in the clinch. He mixes up targets to the head and body. Against experienced strikers, Brown has shown patience in picking his shots until finding an opening for knockouts.
While not known for his grappling, Brown does have credible 74% takedown defense. He stuffs nearly 3 out of 4 attempts, allowing him to keep fights in his comfort zone striking. On the rare occasions Brown gets taken down, he focuses more on avoiding submissions and returning to his feet rather than going on the offensive. For all his offensive firepower, Brown does have some defensive holes that cost him. He absorbs over 3 significant strikes per minute and only defends 54% of opponent’s attempts. Brown struggled with straight punches down the middle through his high guard. Although he can take punishment, too many unanswered strikes result in Brown losing rounds or getting finished.
Muslim “King of Kung Fu” Salikhov Analysis
Muslim Salikhov enters this bout with an impressive 19-4 record built on creative European striking attacks and wrestling transitions. He lands 3.37 significant strikes per minute with even better 51% accuracy compared to Brown. His striking defense is very high at 62%, making him difficult to hit cleanly. Against accomplished opponents like Nordine Taleb and Elizeu Zaleski dos Santos, Salikhov showcased lethal Muay Thai techniques. He blasted liver kicks and flying knees up the middle. From the clinch, Salikhov damaged opponents with vicious elbows and knees targeting the head and body.
While dangerous standing, Salikhov does not just rely on striking. He balances his attacks with credible wrestling as well, scoring 1.31 takedowns per 15 minutes. By mixing up reactive shots, ankle picks, and trips from the clinch, Salikhov keeps opponents guessing. He is also dangerous in scrambles, threatening with tricky submissions like his patented wrench choke. Although well-rounded, Salikhov can get a bit reckless rushing forward looking for the finish. Salikhov absorbed big punches during wild striking exchanges that nearly finished him. His 73% takedown defense also shows he can struggle against persistent wrestlers determined to ground him.
Randy Brown vs. Muslim Salikhov Stats
| Brown | Salikhov | |
| Wins/Losses/Draws | 17-5-0 | 19-4-0 |
| Average Fight Time | 10:36 | 11:25 |
| Height | 6′ 3″ | 5′ 11″ |
| Weight | 170 lbs. | 170 lbs. |
| Reach | 78″ | 70” |
| Stance | Orthodox | Orthodox |
| Strikes Landed per Min. | 4.38 | 3.37 |
| Striking Accuracy | 47% | 51% |
| Strikes Absorbed per Min. | 3.33 | 2.91 |
| Defense | 54% | 62% |
| Takedowns Average/15 min. | 0.80 | 1.31 |
| Takedown Accuracy | 39% | 40% |
| Takedown Defense | 74% | 73% |
| Submission Average/15 min. | 0.5 | 0.0 |
Randy Brown vs. Muslim Salikhov Betting Pick
When predicting the outcome of this welterweight bout, several factors need to be considered. Brown’s reach advantage and higher striking rate make him a significant threat on the feet. However, Salikhov’s precision and striking power cannot be underestimated. Both fighters have shown comparable skills in grappling, but the key to victory will likely be in the stand-up exchanges. Considering the recent performances and overall skill set of both fighters, the pick for this fight is Randy Brown. His reach, combined with his striking volume and adaptability, gives him a slight edge in what promises to be a closely contested bout.
Free Pick: Randy “Rudeboy” Brown -260
This upcoming bout between Randy Brown and Muslim Salikhov at UFC 296 is a fascinating matchup for fans of striking-oriented MMA. Both fighters bring impressive records and skills to the octagon. After a thorough analysis, Randy Brown emerges as the favored fighter, primarily due to his reach advantage and higher striking volume. This forecast aligns with other free MMA parlay picks, suggesting that Brown’s versatility in striking could be the deciding factor in this welterweight clash. As with any fight, uncertainties remain, but based on the data and past performances, Brown holds a slight advantage in this intriguing matchup.