Quillan Salkilld called for biggest test against Gamrot

Perth lightweight Quillan Salkilld says he specifically requested a fight with Mateusz Gamrot, setting up what he considers the biggest test of his career in his first UFC main event.

Salkilld will face the Polish contender at UFC Fight Night: Gamrot vs Salkilld at the Meta APEX in Las Vegas on Saturday, August 8 local time.

The UFC currently lists Salkilld as its No. 12 lightweight with a 12-1 record, while Gamrot is listed at No. 8 with a 26-4 record.

Watch the full media-day interview with Quillan Salkilld here: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k7aWi-HE_-U].

Salkilld called for Gamrot after UFC Perth

The match-up was not simply the next assignment offered to Salkilld. He said he asked for Gamrot following his first-round stoppage of Beneil Dariush at UFC Perth on May 2.

“I called for it after my last fight, and I’m glad that they gave it,” Salkilld said.

“He’s a super tough fighter. I know he’s no picnic for anyone, and that’s exactly why I wanted the fight.

“I’m not looking to cherry pick my way to the top of the division. I want hard fights.”

Salkilld said he had followed Gamrot’s career for years and had long considered him an opponent he would eventually meet. The timing also made sense after the pair’s respective victories earlier in 2026.

While the Australian was confident about his prospects, his comments reflected respect rather than hostility towards Gamrot. Salkilld described him as a fighter he had always liked and respected.

Preparing for Gamrot’s wrestling

Gamrot’s wrestling and ability to maintain a high grappling pace have been central to Salkilld’s preparation.

Salkilld relocated to Las Vegas approximately one month before the fight and completed the second half of his camp at Syndicate MMA. He said the move provided training partners capable of reproducing some of the challenges he expects from Gamrot.

“I expect what Gamrot is going to do. He’s going to shoot early on,” Salkilld said.

“I’ve had all my training partners, and I’ve worked with a few different people, give me those looks.”

Salkilld said he had prepared for the possibility of five rounds of grappling while continuing to develop his striking. He believes his well-rounded skill set and ability to attack from different positions will be important against the experienced Pole.

When asked to summarise the keys to victory, Salkilld offered a characteristically direct response.

“Sprawl and brawl. Snatch that neck. Just be on constant attack,” he said.

He is targeting a finish but said he would not force an opening or abandon his game plan in pursuit of one.

“I’m always looking to get a finish. I don’t want to spend more time in there than I have to,” Salkilld said.

A relaxed approach to his first UFC main event

The additional media commitments and attention surrounding his first UFC headline appearance have not unsettled Salkilld.

He described his ability to remain “unserious in serious situations” as part of his personality and the broader Australian approach to competition. Staying busy during fight week has also helped him move through the final days before the weigh-ins.

Salkilld identified fellow Perth fighter Jack Della Maddalena as an important example during his own rise. He recalled competing on Della Maddalena’s undercards on the regional circuit before watching him progress through the UFC.

He also believes Australia’s emerging amateur and professional talent will produce a larger group of UFC fighters in the coming years, describing the country’s talent pool as increasingly deep.

A possible path into the lightweight top 10

A victory over Gamrot would give Salkilld the opportunity to move further into the UFC lightweight rankings, although he stopped short of looking beyond Saturday’s contest.

Salkilld said the rapid pace of his rise had been one of the most exciting elements of the past year. Having entered the top 15, he now sees the Gamrot fight as his opportunity to compete for a place inside the top 10.

He acknowledged that title contention could come into view if his progress continues, but presented that as a future ambition rather than a guaranteed outcome.

“This is why I do this sport, for these moments and for the love of the game,” Salkilld said.

For now, his attention remains on the challenge he deliberately requested.

“I’m just focused on the task at hand and handling business on Saturday night.”

Watch Quillan Salkilld’s complete media-day interview here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k7aWi-HE_-U

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