
January 23, 2026
Quillan Salkilld Talks UFC 325 Sydney: Main Card Buzz, Jamie Mullarkey Matchup and a Late Submission Call
If you’re chasing the latest MMA news and searching what the next UFC event is in Australia, UFC 325 Sydney is the one that matters right now. With the spotlight on UFC Australia, local fans are locked in on the biggest talking points: who’s fighting, how camps are going, and which Australian fighters in UFC are about to level up on home soil.
Filmed in Perth outside Love Street Coffee, Perth lightweight Quillan Salkilld sat down with Mitchell Tinley just over a week out from fight week to talk preparation, momentum, and the matchup change that reshaped his camp. If you follow Australian MMA fighters and the rise of the next Aussie UFC fighter, this interview is a must-watch.
UFC 325 Sydney and the rise of Australian UFC talent
There’s always extra heat when the UFC comes to Australia. Cards like UFC Sydney don’t just bring global attention, they also amplify the momentum behind Australian MMA and the next wave of Australian fighters in UFC pushing toward bigger opportunities.
Salkilld spoke openly about the buzz around being announced on the UFC 325 main card, and how surreal it feels when your name starts appearing in bigger headlines. It’s the kind of moment that shifts a fighter from “prospect” to someone fans actively search for when looking up upcoming UFC fights.
From Rongzhu to Jamie Mullarkey: the opponent change that mattered
One of the biggest hooks in this episode is the opponent switch. Quillan was originally preparing for Rongzhu, before the matchup shifted to fellow Aussie Jamie Mullarkey.
“Give me the name and I’ll prep for it.”
He also admitted the Rongzhu fight felt like the scarier matchup stylistically, but he’s not treating Mullarkey as anything less than a serious problem. That’s what makes this fight so compelling for anyone following UFC upcoming match updates or trying to predict how UFC 325 Sydney plays out.
Coach Romel Luistro, Perth gym culture, and staying grounded
Another strong theme is how Salkilld sees his development in Perth and the culture around his team. He talks about trust in the process, and the balance of staying confident without becoming surrounded by hype.
“I just focus on what I’m doing in the gym.”
He also makes it clear he values real feedback and strong standards as attention grows.
“I don’t want a bunch of yes men.”
Throughout the conversation, coach Romel Luistro is referenced as a steadying influence who keeps things structured, honest, and aligned with what actually wins fights.
Training rounds with UFC fighter Tom Nolan
For the hardcore audience, the discussion around cross-training and working rounds with UFC fighter Tom Nolan is one of the most interesting sections. Salkilld describes it as high-level problem solving, with both guys focused on clean work and learning rather than ego.
If you’re following Australian MMA closely, these behind-the-scenes links between camps are exactly the kind of detail fans search for when they want more than just the fight announcement.
Fight week mindset and the UFC 325 prediction
Salkilld also shares how he handles the mental side of fight week. His approach is to keep it light until the moment demands intensity, so he doesn’t burn out before the fight even starts.
“Same old me… until I’m in the back room.”
And when it comes to calling his shot for UFC 325 Sydney, Quillan keeps it clear. He’s predicting a late submission.
Watch the full Quillan Salkilld interview on YouTube
This article is the overview, but the full interview has the best detail and the best energy. If you want the full context around the Jamie Mullarkey matchup, the camp switch from Rongzhu, life in Perth gyms, and how Quillan sees UFC Australia shaping his year, go watch it now.
Watch the full Quillan Salkilld pre-UFC 325 Sydney interview on YouTube.
