Quillan Salkilld is already looking toward his next challenge after another explosive UFC victory.
The Australian lightweight prospect continued his rapid rise at UFC Vegas 120, stopping Mateusz Gamrot in the first round of their main event at the Meta Apex in Las Vegas.
The victory was Salkilld’s biggest yet. It also made him the first fighter to finish Gamrot in the opening round.
At just 26 years old, Salkilld is quickly becoming one of the UFC’s most dangerous lightweights.
Salkilld Wants a Top-Five Opportunity
Salkilld had previously called for a fight with Gamrot after defeating Beneil Dariush. After getting the matchup and delivering another first-round finish, the Australian is now looking for the next step up the rankings.
He does not appear fixated on one particular opponent.
Salkilld said he wants whichever matchup can put him closest to the lightweight Top 5.
During the UFC Vegas 120 post-fight press conference, MMAmania.com presented him with a couple of potential options. One was Benoit Saint-Denis, while the other was the loser of the upcoming Arman Tsarukyan vs. Mauricio Ruffy fight.
Salkilld admitted to TheMacLife that he had a tough choice to make.
“Ooooh, s—t — who’s ranked higher?”
“F—k. I don’t know. Honestly, any of the three would be wicked. S—t, that’s a tough one because it depends on the loss, too, on how Arman and Ruffy lose.”
The Australian then explained why Saint-Denis could be the most realistic option, particularly with November on his mind.
“I think BSD is good because obviously his fight was not too long ago, and he didn’t really take any damage from that one.”
“I’ll say that because that seems like a more sure thing that could happen. I’m down.”
Saint-Denis Could Be Perfect for November
Salkilld is interested in returning in November, when the UFC is expected to make its annual trip to Madison Square Garden.
A matchup with Saint-Denis would give him another established name and plenty of action.
Saint-Denis is coming off a devastating setback against Paddy Pimblett at UFC 329. The French lightweight was submitted just 52 seconds into the fight, ending his four-fight winning streak.
The loss was a major setback, but Saint-Denis escaped the fight without taking extended punishment. That could make a November return realistic if he is medically cleared and ready to compete.
For Salkilld, the matchup would also provide another chance to prove that his rise is legitimate.
The Australian is now 6-0 inside the UFC, with five of those victories coming by first-round finish.
After dismantling the No. 8-ranked Gamrot, Salkilld is expected to move higher in the lightweight rankings.
A fight with Saint-Denis at Madison Square Garden would give both men a chance to make another statement. For Salkilld, it could be the fight that takes him even closer to the division’s elite.