Quillan Salkilld revealed that fans were seriously upset with him for finishing Jamie Mullarkey by submission when they expected a knockout. Salkilld explained that people don't always realize how difficult it is to secure a finish at the UFC level and that he had to apologize because fans only saw his knockout highlights and didn't know he could grapple. He joked about their anger over him submitting someone instead of knocking them out. Looking ahead to his bout with Benny Dariush, Salkilld said he'll try to land a clean head shot but will win however he can.
Quillan Salkilld has opened up about the unexpected backlash he received from fans after finishing fellow Australian Jamie Mullarkey by submission, with some supporters so frustrated by the finish that Salkilld felt compelled to apologize.
The 26-year-old Sydney fighter, ranked 15th in the UFC lightweight division, carries a 12-1 record and has built his reputation largely on his striking. Standing six feet tall with a 75-inch reach, Salkilld lands an impressive 5.16 significant strikes per minute at 57 percent accuracy — numbers that have produced a highlight reel heavy on knockouts. That reputation is precisely what fueled the fan reaction. Salkilld explained that those watching only knew him as a knockout artist and had no idea he could grapple, which made the submission finish a genuine surprise. He acknowledged how difficult it is to secure any finish at UFC level, joking about the irony of being criticized for winning in a manner fans had not anticipated. His takedown rate of 7.95 per 15 minutes suggests the grappling dimension of his game is more developed than his public profile implies.
Mullarkey, also 31 and Australian, came into the bout with an 18-9 record and a reputation as a durable, high-volume striker in his own right. He averages 4.1 significant strikes per minute, and his submission attempt rate of just 0.1 per 15 minutes underscores why Salkilld's grappling approach caught observers off guard.
Why it matters
- Salkilld's well-rounded skillset may be underestimated by fans and opponents alike heading into his bout with Benny Dariush
- A win over a ranked opponent like Dariush could push Salkilld firmly into lightweight title contention
- Salkilld has indicated he will pursue a clean knockout but remains committed to winning by whatever method presents itself
