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Quillan Salkilld couldn’t have asked for a better UFC debut. Competing in front of his home crowd in Australia, Salkilld made an emphatic first impression by knocking out Anshul Jubli with a single punch in just 19 seconds at UFC 312.
The opening bout of the preliminary card ended dramatically when Salkilld unleashed a powerful right hand that connected flush with Jubli’s head, sending him crashing to the canvas. The referee wasted no time stepping in to halt the fight, sealing an unforgettable victory for the Australian newcomer.
Speaking about his spectacular finish, Salkilld admitted the moment felt surreal.
“I have no words for it,” he said. “The perfect ending for my debut in Sydney. I knew he leads with his lead hand, his lead hand is always away from his face. Dream come true. The only thing that would improve it is an extra $50,000 in the bank.”
The fight played out so quickly that the UFC broadcast replayed it twice, showing how both fighters cautiously engaged early on. Salkilld set up the knockout by feinting a jab to the body before launching a devastating right hook that landed cleanly on Jubli’s ear. The punch's force dropped Jubli instantly, prompting the referee to intervene.
Although the 30-year-old Indian fighter instinctively grabbed at Salkilld’s leg in protest, replays suggested the stoppage was somewhat premature. However, given the violent nature of the knockout, the referee’s decision was understandable.
Regardless of any controversy, the result stands, and Salkilld now boasts a highlight-reel knockout to kickstart his UFC career. With an electrified Sydney crowd cheering him on, the Australian fighter celebrated a flawless debut, putting the lightweight division on notice in spectacular fashion.