Perth UFC fighter Quillan Salkilld has revealed how he plans to use his $50,000 Performance of the Night bonus after his viral head-kick knockout at UFC 321 in Abu Dhabi. The 25-year-old told The West Australian he intends to book flights to New York to watch teammate Cody Haddon fight at Madison Square Garden, alongside supporting Australian welterweight champion Jack Della Maddelena at UFC 322.
Salkilld accepted the fight on just 10 days' notice and knocked out Nasrat Haqparast in the first round on October 25. He said the bonus allows him to afford the trip, expressing excitement to support Haddon, whom he described as his toughest training partner. Salkilld also noted his confidence in Haddon defeating undefeated American Malcolm Wellmaker at UFC 322.
The fighter, who spent his childhood in Broome, is currently recovering in a moonboot after hurting his foot during the knockout kick. He said he felt the impact immediately and suspects a micro fracture, though he is awaiting scan results. Despite the injury, Salkilld is already looking ahead to his next fight, stating he is willing to face any opponent the UFC offers, including Beneil Dariush, Renato Moicano, or Benoit Saint Denis.
Salkilld's bonus marks the second time he has been awarded for a stunning knockout by the UFC, following his 19-second debut win against Anshul Jubli at UFC 312. Both he and Haddon train at Luistro Combat Academy and earned their UFC contracts through Dana White's Contender Series.
