Quillan Salkilld Eyes UFC 316 Victory Against Yanal Ashmouz: “I’m Here to Take Over”

No Handpicking, No Hesitation

Quillan Salkilld is stepping back into the Octagon for the second time at UFC 316 in New Jersey. And just like his debut in Sydney, he’s not showing up to make up numbers, he’s here to make a statement.

This time, the opponent is Yanal Ashmouz, a compact powerhouse from Israel known for knockout power and relentless pressure. But for Salkilld, it’s just another step on the path he’s been chasing for years: a UFC title.

“To me it feels like nothing has changed,”

Quillan told Australian MMA.

“The end goal is still to reach the championship, so it’s just as exciting as my debut. I’m still the new kid on the block.”

Always Ready, Always Focused

There’s no off-switch in Salkilld’s world. Win, lose, or waitlist, the training never stops. Coach Romel Luistro says that mindset is exactly why the quick turnaround for UFC 316 was even possible.

“Quil stays ready so he doesn’t have to get ready,”

Luistro said.

“He’s been itching to go again since Sydney, so when the matchup was offered we didn’t hesitate.”

Training That Never Stops

This isn’t a camp driven by panic or urgency. Salkilld has remained in a constant state of fight readiness since day one.

“Quil is always focused with his training, with or without a fight coming up,”

Luistro added.

“He’s constantly striving to perfect his craft… We didn’t need to change everything. It was just a matter of tweaking a few things and picking up the intensity.”

The Matchup: Salkilld vs Ashmouz

Ashmouz is short, explosive, and loves to brawl. But stylistically, Salkilld’s team sees the edge going their way.

“Yanal is a physically strong athlete,” Luistro explained. “He swings for the fences, has solid wrestling. But Quil gives him a lot of trouble. The height, the reach... that’s already a challenge. And beyond that, Quil’s better in every facet—on the feet, on the ground, and physically.”

Strength and Conditioning That’s Paying Off

Salkilld’s physical presence has grown alongside his technical sharpness—thanks in large part to his work with Alex Torres at Iron Octopus.

“Quil’s been working with kettlebells, gymnastics, mobility work,” Luistro said. “The strength and conditioning side has caught up with his technique, and that’s why you’re seeing this next-level version of him now.”

Business Moves and Big Opportunities

According to manager Jasmin Frank, Salkilld had other offers—but they locked in UFC 316 without hesitation.

“We were actually offered a different opponent at a later date… then they came back with UFC 316,”

she said.

“We didn’t hesitate. We’ve had our sights on this card, and staying active is the goal.”

Frank believes the path they’re on, without cherry-picking, gives Salkilld the momentum others are missing.

“Sean Shelby knows what he’s doing,” she said. “We’re confident in Quillan’s ability to compete with anyone in the lightweight division.”

Could Perth Be Next?

There’s been early noise about a potential UFC return to Perth, and Salkilld would be at the front of the line to appear—especially with Cody Haddon also active in the promotion.

“The thought of Cody or Quillan fighting in front of a home crowd is always exciting,” Frank said. “Once we’re done in New Jersey, I think he’ll be over the moon to fight at home.”

Confidence Without Hype

Salkilld isn’t louder this time around, he’s just more certain.

“The mindset is to keep making statements,” he said. “I’ve already shown I belong. Now I’m here to take over.”

He’s not just making noise, he’s drawing attention. After Jack Della Maddalena captured UFC gold, eyes are on the next wave of Aussie lightweights. Salkilld knows it—and welcomes it.

“I feel like there might be more eyes on me,” he admitted. “But I don’t feel more pressure. I thrive having more eyes on me.”

Finishing Intentions

Coach Luistro isn’t expecting this to go to the judges.

“We’re always ready for war, but I expect Quil to get the finish.”

If that happens, a 2–0 UFC record, growing fanbase, and possible Perth main card are all in play. As Salkilld continues building his case as a future star, the ANZAC charge is gaining serious momentum.

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