TLDR
- Quillan Salkilld defeated Jamie Mullarkey via rear-naked choke at 3:02 of Round 1 at UFC 325 in Sydney
- The victory improved Salkilld’s UFC record to 4-0 and extended his overall winning streak to 11 fights
- Salkilld reversed Mullarkey’s grappling attempt and quickly took his back to secure the submission
- All but one of Salkilld’s four UFC victories have come in the first round
- Salkilld called for a top 15 ranked opponent in his next fight and earned a $25,000 performance bonus
Sources: LowKick MMA | MMA Fighting | Ground News
Quillan Salkilld extended his undefeated UFC record to 4-0 with a first-round submission victory over Jamie Mullarkey at UFC 325 in Sydney, Australia on February 1, 2026. The all-Australian lightweight bout ended at 3:02 of the opening round when Salkilld forced Mullarkey to tap out to a rear-naked choke that resembled a face crank.
The fight opened the main card at Qudos Bank Arena with Salkilld entering as the biggest betting favorite on the entire card. His performance validated the oddsmakers’ confidence as he needed less than three and a half minutes to finish his countryman.
Mullarkey initially attempted to use grappling against Salkilld, trapping him against the cage in the early moments. However, the strategy backfired when Salkilld executed a beautiful reversal, using a body lock to throw Mullarkey to the canvas.
Grappling Dominance Leads to Quick Finish
Once on the ground, Salkilld quickly advanced his position and took Mullarkey’s back. He locked his arms around Mullarkey’s face and neck, applying pressure with what officials described as more of a face crank than a traditional rear-naked choke.
The grimace on Mullarkey’s face showed the pain he endured before ultimately being forced to tap out. The submission marked a different approach for Salkilld, who had become known for highlight-reel knockouts against Anshul Jubli and Nasrat Haqparast in 2025.
“In the moment, I come into these fights expecting everything,” Salkilld said after the fight. “Whatever presents itself at the time, I take advantage of it.”
Salkilld emphasized that grappling remains his strongest skill set. “Grappling is my strong suit,” he explained. “If they want to grapple with me, that’s a shame for them.”
Rising Star Calls for Ranked Opponent
The victory extended Salkilld’s overall winning streak to 11 consecutive fights. He has now achieved four UFC wins in under a year, with all but one ending in the first round.
The West Australian fighter wasted no time making his intentions clear in his post-fight interview. “We’re getting that top 15 opponent next,” Salkilld declared to the home crowd in Sydney.
Salkilld’s rapid rise through the lightweight division has caught the attention of UFC officials and fans alike. His ability to finish fights early has made him one of the most exciting prospects in the 155-pound weight class.
The performance earned Salkilld a $25,000 performance bonus for his quick finish. He has now secured early stoppages in all four of his UFC appearances, demonstrating his ability to finish fights by both knockout and submission.
Mullarkey, who entered the fight as a UFC veteran with more octagon experience, was unable to use his grappling to control the younger fighter. The loss snapped his own momentum in the competitive lightweight division.
Salkilld’s perfect 4-0 UFC record positions him for a potential step up in competition against a ranked opponent in his next bout.
