Quillan Salkilld discussed the negative reaction he received from fans after defeating Jamie Mullarkey by submission instead of knockout. Fans who expected a knockout based on his previous performances were disappointed when he finished the fight with a choke. Salkilld explained that fans didn't realize he had grappling skills beyond his striking, and he jokingly said he had to apologize for submitting his opponent. He emphasized how difficult it is to finish fights at the UFC level regardless of method. When asked about his next fight, Salkilld remained uncertain about how he would win but expressed confidence he would find a way.
Quillan Salkilld has spoken out about the unexpected backlash he faced from fans following his submission victory over fellow Australian Jamie Mullarkey, addressing criticism that he should have finished the fight with his hands rather than a choke.
Salkilld, 26, holds a 12-1 record and sits at number 15 in the UFC lightweight division. Fighting out of Luistro Combat Academy in Australia, the six-foot orthodox striker has built a reputation as a finisher on the feet, posting an impressive 5.16 significant strikes landed per minute at 57 percent accuracy. However, his grappling numbers tell an equally compelling story — he averages 7.95 takedowns per 15 minutes, a figure that underscores just how complete his skill set actually is. Salkilld acknowledged that many fans simply were not aware of that dimension of his game, and he joked that he found himself having to apologize for submitting his opponent.
Mullarkey, 31, came in with an 18-9 record and a reputation as one of the more durable and exciting fighters in the lightweight division. The fellow Australian lands 4.1 significant strikes per minute and carries a 74-inch reach, making him a credible threat in any standup exchange. Finishing him by any method represents a meaningful scalp.
Salkilld also pushed back on any suggestion that his submission finish was somehow the easier path, stressing how genuinely difficult it is to stop a fight at the UFC level regardless of the method used.
Why it matters
- Salkilld's win reinforces his credentials as a complete fighter, not solely a striker, at lightweight
- His combination of elite takedown volume and sharp striking makes him a difficult stylistic puzzle at number 15
- The all-Australian matchup drew significant attention, and Salkilld's ability to finish in multiple ways raises his ceiling as a contender
- When asked about his next outing, Salkilld offered no specifics on method or opponent, only expressing confidence that he would get the job done
