It was announced in March 2016 that Salido would attempt to capture the WBC super featherweight title on June 4 at the StubHub Center in Carson, California against Francisco Vargas. A rematch clause was attached to the contract in case Salido defeated Vargas. In what was described as a clear fight of the year candidate, Salido and Vargas fought to a 12-round majority draw. Two judges had it 114-114 whilst the third had it 115-113 for Vargas, who as a result retained his WBC title. Both fighters thought they had done enough to take the decision. The fight was shown on HBO's Boxing After Dark which averaged 833,000 viewers hitting a peak of 954,000 viewers.