Quillan Salkilld snatches rear-naked choke to finish Mateusz Gamrot in first round in UFC Vegas 120 main event
· Yahoo Sports
Quillan Salkilld has officially arrived as a serious contender at lightweight following his victory over Mateusz Gamrot in the UFC Vegas 120 main event.
Undefeated thus far in his UFC career, Salkilld was supposed to face his toughest test to date on Saturday but outside of a leg lock attempt from Gamrot early in the opening round, the Australian had his way with the veteran top-10 fighter.
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After battering Gamrot on the feet, Salkilld decided to show off his ground game after scoring a perfectly timed takedown and then eventually transitioning to take the back. That’s where Salkilld locked up the rear-naked choke with Gamrot tapping out to end the fight at 4:25 in the opening round.
AUSTRALIA, YOU HAVE ANOTHER CONTENDER 🦘
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Quillan Salkilld ends this one EARLY with a R1 submission!
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That extended Salkilld’s overall win streak to 13 in a row including six straight wins in the UFC.
“That feels f*cking good,” Salkilld said after the win. “I just proved I’m the real f*cking deal. That’s just how I fight. I want to take it to you where you think you’re safe. I want to use all the weapons I have available in the arsenal. I believe I can get it done with the first minute or the last minute.”
A slick jab from Salkilld was immediately connecting and Gamrot was stuck playing defense on the feet. Another straight punch from Salkilld rocked Gamrot and forced him to dive for a leg trying for the takedown.
Salkilld countered quickly but he couldn’t quite break Gamrot’s grip as the Polish lightweight dove for an ankle lock on the ground. Salkilld eventually broke free and he immediately began dishing out punishment on the feet again.
Salkilld eventually went for a takedown of his own to surprise Gamrot as he sought to take the back and look for a submission of his own. Gamrot defended well but he was still stuck with Salkilld on his back, searching for the rear-naked choke.
The choke wasn’t directly under the chin but the pressure was so immense that Gamrot had no choice but to tap out as Salkilld scored another impressive victory as he continues climbing up the lightweight ranks.
Many of the top fighters at 155 pounds are already booked or fought just recently so it’s tough to say who Salkilld might get next but he appears ready for the best of the best from the division whenever he competes again.
“I don’t give a f*ck,” Salkilld responded when asked who he wants next. “As long as it’s in the top five. I think I deserve someone in the top five or close to it.”