Quillan Salkilld admitted he surprised even himself with how quickly he was able to get past Mateusz Gamrot at UFC Vegas 120.
Salkilld submitted Gamrot in the opening round of Saturday night’s main event at the UFC’s META Apex, extending his impressive run to four consecutive first-round stoppage victories.
Speaking with Dustin Poirier, Alan Jouban and Din Thomas on Paramount’s UFC Vegas post-show, Salkilld acknowledged that he did not necessarily expect the fight to end so early.
“I didn’t exactly expect it, but (I’m) not surprised also, you know? I believed in my ability and my skillset to do so and tonight was just about proving it to everybody else.”
The victory could put Salkilld firmly in the conversation for a matchup with a ranked lightweight, and when Benoit Saint-Denis was mentioned as a potential next opponent, the Australian made it clear that he would welcome the challenge.
“Yeah 100%. He’s someone I’ve had my eyes on for a bit, and all those guys in the top five,” Salkilld said. “I don’t really care as long as it moves me up the ladder and towards that title shot eventually. I’m down for whoever.”
Salkilld’s matchup with Gamrot was not a random callout. Before the fight, he targeted the experienced Polish contender because he believed beating him could establish his credentials as a legitimate top-10 lightweight.
“He’s a tough matchup. I’m not going to call out any easy fights, I want someone who’s going to be a tough fight, going to be hard work and who’s going to put that respect on my name,” Salkilld said.
“I’m not cherry-picking out here. It was wanting to prove to everyone that I belong there (in the top ten).”
Salkilld also revealed that he understood exactly how difficult the challenge could be when he first called out Gamrot. The former UFC title challenger is known for his relentless wrestling and grappling, making Salkilld’s first-round finish even more impressive.
“After I called him out, I heard that no-one’s ever called him out. I’m not surprised about that…he’s a hard fight,” Salkilld said.
“I was kind of shitting myself out the back, (thinking) it’s going to be a long, grueling night, you know? I was expecting a big grappling-heavy fight. I’m glad it didn’t have to go that way and I (managed to) get it done nice and early.”
With another first-round finish now added to his résumé, Salkilld appears increasingly focused on breaking into the UFC lightweight rankings and positioning himself for a future title opportunity.
Whether that next step comes against Saint-Denis or another ranked contender, Salkilld has made his intentions clear: he wants the toughest fights available if they bring him closer to the top of the division.
