‘Absolutely crazy’: UFC great stunned as Aussie wins via first-round submission
Australia’s Quillan Salkilld has outclassed his toughest task to date in style, recording a first-round submission win at the UFC Vegas 120.
Salkilld did not let the experience of Mateusz Gamrot get in the way of his plans in the octagon on Sunday (AEST), forcing the Polish star to tap in a rear-naked choke with less than 30 seconds left in the first round.
(R-L) Quillan Salkilld looks for a submission against Mateusz Gamrot. Jeff Bottari
“I just proved I’m the real f---ing deal,” Salkilld, a rising lightweight talent, said.
“I don’t care who the f--- you are, I’m going to take it to you and all the aspects you think you’re safe. I’m not going to be fighting on the back foot the whole time.”
Salkilld was on the front foot from the minute the bell rang to start the bout, launching a series of low leg kicks and effective jabs to rattle Gamrot.
He then caught his 35-year-old opponent by surprise in the centre of the octagon with a level change and take down, before moving into a rear-naked choke hold.
The win marked the fourth consecutive first round win for the Perth-born product.
“To choke him out in the first round - that was one result I did not expect at all,” former UFC champion Daniel Cormier said on Paramount +.
“I thought he could win by decision or by knockout, but to think he would win by submission? That is absolutely crazy.
“I am stunned at how good Quillan Salkilld really is.”
Salkilld is ranked ninth in the lightweight weight class. Since making his UFC debut 18 months ago, he has a perfect record from his five bouts, three via knockout.
