Rising West Australian UFC fighter Quillan Salkilld has kicked off 2026 with a stunning performance, continuing his impressive form from the previous year. The Broome native claimed a dominant first-round submission victory over fellow Australian Jamie Mullarkey at UFC 325 in Sydney on Sunday, February 1.
A Swift and Decisive Victory
Salkilld, who holds a record of 11-1, needed just over three minutes to defeat the more experienced Mullarkey, who stands at 18-9. The fight took place on the main card at Qudos Bank Arena, where Salkilld forced Mullarkey to tap out to a rear-naked choke. This marks the third first-round finish in only four UFC bouts for the 26-year-old, solidifying his reputation as one of the most exciting prospects in the lightweight division.
Showcasing a Well-Rounded Skill Set
While Salkilld had previously gained attention for his knockout power early in his UFC career, this bout highlighted his versatility. He executed a significant takedown of Mullarkey, swiftly took his back, and locked in the submission. This well-rounded display underscores his growth as a mixed martial artist and adds a new dimension to his fighting style.
The victory represents Salkilld's fourth win in the UFC within less than 12 months, a remarkable achievement that positions him on the cusp of breaking into the top-15 rankings. Representing Luistro Combat Academy, he expressed immense satisfaction with the outcome, noting the pressure of his first main card appearance.
Post-Fight Reactions and Future Ambitions
"I am super stoked. It's a big weight off my shoulders. It was obviously a big fight, first time on the main card. I got to show out for everyone here at home," Salkilld said. He added, "I'm over the moon. I got to show everyone I can grapple too and finish with the submission threat. I've got to keep everyone on their toes; when they fight me, they don't know what to expect."
Salkilld described his approach as adaptable, stating, "I wing it, every time. Whatever happens, happens. I've got a generalised gameplan. I just want to know what style they bring and what I think they're going to do, but I just wing it, and it's worked out so well so far. So I am just going to keep winging it until it fails."
Targeting Top-Tier Opponents
Looking ahead, Salkilld declared his intention to face opponents in or near the top 15 rankings. "I want a big name opponent. I'm not going to jump the gun too much; I've got a realistic call out. I'm not going to be calling for the belt right now," he explained. "Entering into the top 15 is where I am looking at next and a realistic call out. I just want to keep doing what I'm doing, keep the momentum nice and high. Keep making a bigger name for myself."
Main Event Highlights
In the headline bout of UFC 325, Alexander Volkanovski defended his featherweight championship with a unanimous decision victory over Diego Lopez. Volkanovski, with a record of 28-4, earned the win from all three judges, marking his second triumph over Lopez, who holds a 27-8 record. At 37 years old, Volkanovski tied the legendary Jose Aldo for the most title defences in featherweight history, achieving eight successful defences.
This event not only showcased Salkilld's rising star but also reinforced Australia's strong presence in the UFC, with both local fighters delivering memorable performances for home fans.
