UFC Double Champions Stunned by Quillan Salkilld After Sensational First-Round Victory

Rising superstar Quillan Salkilld made a huge statement by submitting Mateusz Gamrot at UFC Vegas 120.

UFC Double Champions Stunned by Quillan Salkilld After Sensational First-Round Victory

Quillan Salkilld leaves former champions in awe (via Yahoo Sports, MMA Fighting)

Quillan Salkilld has rapidly risen through the UFC ranks as one of the lightweight division’s most dominant emerging contenders. The Australian recently made a major statement by submitting Mateusz Gamrot in his first UFC main event. The first-round finish has now drawn widespread attention to Salkilld as the latest name at 155 pounds to enter the title conversation.

Salkilld started quickly, landing a sharp left hook that hurt Gamrot and forced the Polish veteran to pursue his grappling. Gamrot attempted to take the fight down, but Salkilld defended the early attacks and reversed the positions. The young superstar then secured his own takedown, took Gamrot’s back, and finished with a rear-naked choke at 4:25.

Salkilld entered the fight ranked No. 9 at lightweight, with Gamrot representing his toughest UFC test yet. His dominant first-round submission should push the New Zealander higher in the rankings. Former two-division UFC champion Henry Cejudo also praised Salkilld’s composure and grappling against Gamrot.

Quillan Salkilld is the real deal. Great composure and did an amazing job handling Gamrot’s grappling. Give him a top 5 fight next #UFCVegas120

Henry Cejudo via X

UFC legend Daniel Cormier has previously endorsed several prospects who later became stars, including Khabib Nurmagomedov and Islam Makhachev. Cormier was on commentary for UFC Vegas 120 and strongly praised Salkilld’s performance. His reaction reflected the impact of the 26-year-old’s dominant first-round victory over Gamrot.

To take him down, choke him out in the first round. I did not expect at all. I thought he could win a decision. That’s absolutely crazy. I am stunned at how good Quillan Salkilld really is.

Daniel Cormier via UFC on Paramount

Salkilld has also collected multiple bonuses throughout his UFC run, earning $250,000 across his first five fights. His first-round knockout of Beneil Dariush at UFC Perth earned him another $100,000 Performance of the Night bonus. The young lightweight’s latest bonus came against Gamrot, taking his 2026 bonus earnings even higher.

Salkilld’s aggressive style has made him a popular lightweight, with his UFC run featuring several memorable finishes.

He knocked out Nasrat Haqparast with a head kick at UFC 321. However, his breakout came against rising Indian prospect Anshul Jubli, whom he stopped with a first-round flying knee knockout.

The lightweight division now awaits further clarity after champion Justin Gaethje revealed he will remain sidelined until 2027. However, a major matchup is already set for UFC 331. Arman Tsarukyan will face Mauricio Ruffy in the co-main event, adding another key fight to the division’s landscape.

Mateusz Gamrot remains one of the most experienced fighters at 155 pounds, with notable wins over Rafael dos Anjos and Jeremy Stephens.

Quillan Salkilld’s first-round submission of such an experienced contender has strengthened his standing in the division. The Australian has now firmly entered the lightweight title discussion.

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Benoit Saint-Denis is a prominent UFC lightweight known for his aggressive style and finishing ability. The French contender has established himself as a dangerous name at 155 pounds through several notable UFC performances over the likes of Mauricio Ruffy and Dan Hooker. Saint Denis has remained among the division’s recognizable contenders despite setbacks.

‘BSD’ suffered a disappointing loss to Paddy Pimblett at UFC 329, losing by submission after just 52 seconds. Pimblett caught him with a D’Arce choke, ending the fight in the opening round. The defeat halted Saint Denis’ momentum after he had secured four consecutive wins.

Quillan Salkilld
Quillan Salkilld (via UFC)

Salkilld’s first-round submission of Mateusz Gamrot at UFC Vegas 120 sparked strong praise from several professional fighters.

The Australian lightweight’s performance quickly increased attention surrounding his rise through the 155-pound division.

Following the victory, Salkilld called out Benoit Saint-Denis as he looked to strengthen his title aspirations.

I think BSD is good. He didn’t really take any damage from that fight.

Quillan Salkilld told UFC Media Team

Saint-Denis will now look to rebound from his UFC 329 defeat and rebuild his momentum at lightweight.

Salkilld, meanwhile, is targeting a top-five opponent as he looks to establish himself among the division’s elite.

Their potential matchup could provide both contenders with a major opportunity to strengthen their respective positions.

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