Quillan Salkilld revealed that fans were upset with him for winning via submission against Jamie Mullarkey when they expected a knockout. He explained that fans did not realize how difficult it is to finish opponents at the UFC level and that he is capable of winning by submission as well as knockout. Salkilld said he had to apologize because fans only saw his knockouts and assumed he was purely a striker. He joked about fans not knowing he could grapple and being angry that he submitted his opponent. Salkilld indicated he will try to knock out his next opponent but will win however he can.
Quillan Salkilld has addressed the unexpected backlash he received from fans after submitting fellow Australian Jamie Mullarkey, explaining why the finish came via grappling rather than the knockout many had anticipated.
The 26-year-old Sydney product improved to 12-1 with the victory, and currently sits ranked 15th in the UFC lightweight division. Fighting out of Luistro Combat Academy, Salkilld has built a reputation as a dangerous striker, averaging 5.16 significant strikes landed per minute at an impressive 57 percent accuracy. However, his grappling credentials are equally formidable — he averages a remarkable 7.95 takedowns per 15 minutes, a number that clearly caught some supporters off guard.
Mullarkey, 31, entered the bout carrying an 18-9 record and considerable experience in the lightweight division. The Bangtao Muay Thai and MMA product lands 4.1 significant strikes per minute and has shown durability against elite competition throughout his career, which made finishing him no straightforward task regardless of method.
Salkilld spoke candidly about the reaction, noting that fans who had only seen his knockout finishes simply assumed he was a one-dimensional striker. He acknowledged having to apologize to supporters who were frustrated the fight did not end with a knockout, while pointing out they underestimated just how hard it is to stop anyone at the UFC level. He joked that his fanbase apparently had no idea he could grapple, and that submitting an opponent somehow counted as a disappointment.
Why it matters
- Salkilld's versatility as a finisher makes him a more complete and unpredictable threat at lightweight.
- A ranking of 15th in a loaded division means every win carries real ladder-climbing significance.
- Both fighters stand six feet tall with nearly identical builds, making their all-Australian matchup a useful benchmark for where each man sits in the division.
Salkilld confirmed he will look to knock out his next opponent but made clear he intends to win by whatever means necessary when the cage door closes.
