Muslim Salikhov has withdrawn from a proposed welterweight clash against Santiago Ponzinibbio at the Ultimate Fighting Championship’s first event of 2021.
Salikohov announced his exit in an Instagram post, citing health issues that arose after contracting COVID-19 in September. UFC Fight Night takes place Jan. 16 on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi and his headlined by a featherweight bout pitting Max Holloway against Calvin Kattar. It is unclear if the promotion will seek a replacement foe for Ponzinibbio.
Salikov is currently on a four-bout winning streak in UFC competition.