Russian knockout artist Muslim Salikhov delivered another jaw-dropping finish at UFC Abu Dhabi on Saturday, putting away Carlos Leal in less than a minute.
Salikhov wasted no time getting his 15th career first-round KO, blasting Leal with a nasty counter right hook that immediately sent the Brazilian crashing to the canvas.
Knowing that his opponent had nothing left, Salikhov walked away rather than delivering follow-up shots. Moments later, the fight was officially waved off, giving the 41-year-old Russian his 22nd career win and another highlight-reel finish.
Official Result: Muslim Salikhov def. Carlos Leal via KO (right hook) at 0:42 of Round 1.
Leal has now lost back-to-back bouts, both defeats coming in the very first round.
Check Out Highlights From Muslim Salikhov vs. Carlos Leal at UFC Abu Dhabi:
Carlos Leal delivers a one-punch nightmare!
A single, thunderous shot puts Muslim Salikhov to sleep walk-off KO for the highlight reels!
Video Courtesy : UFC#UFC #CarlosLeal #MuslimSalikhov pic.twitter.com/VuI7zi0vlw
— STARZPLAY | ستارزبلاي (@STARZPlayArabia) July 26, 2025
OMG!
MUSLIM SALIKHOV WOW!
The 41 year old has knocked out Carlos Leal in the first round!
Watch #UFCAbuDhabi on ESPN on #disneyplusau / #disneyplusnz now! pic.twitter.com/ezRv6T8Zhd
— ESPN Australia & NZ (@ESPNAusNZ) July 26, 2025
OH MY GOODNESS
Muslim Salikhov with a STUNNING WALK OFF KO at #UFCAbuDhabi!
[ #InAbuDhabi | @InAbuDhabi | @VisitAbuDhabi ] pic.twitter.com/7NvqeLlc0x
— UFC (@ufc) July 26, 2025
15 nocauts para Muslim Salikhov
#UFCAbuDhabi | @VisitAbuDhabi | @InAbuDhabi | #InAbuDhabi pic.twitter.com/wwQ4BUvuVs
— UFC Español (@UFCEspanol) July 26, 2025
