If it wasn’t official yet, it certainly is now: Australia has a new certified superstar in the octagon.
Quillan Salkilld’s rapid rise to stardom has continued with a spectacular first-round victory over veteran Mateusz Gamrot in Las Vegas to finish UFC Vegas 120 in emphatic fashion.
In his maiden Main Event bout, a brutal rear-naked choke hold just minutes into the fight proved a bear trap for Gamrot, with the Pole unable to escape Salkilld’s grasp and tapping out.
All up, the win took just four minutes and 25 seconds, continuing Salkilld’s run of rapid-fire victories that has seen him becoming one of the sport’s most popular rising stars.
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Wiping his hands to signify the ease of his victory afterwards, the Australian sensation had the look of a man who knows he is destined for greatness – and not far away from it, either.
The victory extends Salkilld’s professional winning streak to 13, dating back to his lightweight debut in February 2021.
With four of his previous five UFC wins securing him Performance of the Night status, the 26-year old was already a rising star in the octagon.
But the hype will now reach fever pitch – and coming into the fight ranked ninth in the lightweight rankings, he has his sights on a top-five berth.
“I just proved I’m the real f**king deal now,” the Western Australian said after the win.
“These top five better watch the f**k out.”
When asked who he’d want to fight next, Salkilld was just as blunt.
“I don’t give a f**k, as long as it’s in the top five, mate,” he said.
“I’ve earned my spot in the top ten, and now I think I deserve someone that’s in the top five or close to it.”
Coming in as a slight outsider, a heavy jab at Gamrot in the opening seconds was the beginning of what quickly proved a one-sided fight.
After executing a flawless choke hold, Salkilld showed his skill set by deftly adjusting as Gamrot nearly broke free with a reverse.