The UFC lightweight division may have found its next breakout star, and his name is Quillan Salkilld. Stepping in on just 10 days’ notice, the 25-year-old Australian prospect turned heads with a spectacular showing at UFC 321 last week, earning widespread attention in the MMA world. Salkilld unleashed a devastating first-round head-kick knockout that sent his Afghan opponent, Nasrat Haqparast, crashing to the canvas, silencing the crowd and sending a clear warning to the entire 155 lbs division.

While his highlight-reel finish drew praise across the MMA world, with many calling it the “head kick of the year,” it didn’t come without a cost. The lightweight contender broke his foot while throwing the strike, forcing him to take a brief hiatus from the Octagon. Just days after the event, Quillan Salkilld has shared an update on his injury and hinted at who he wants next.

Quillan Salkilld discusses his return date and the opponent currently on his radar

Quillan Salkilld didn’t step in on late notice at UFC 321 without negotiation behind the scenes. By taking the short-notice opportunity, Salkill used the moment to strike a deal with the world’s premier MMA organization, securing a potential spot on next year’s UFC Australia card. The event, which usually takes place in February, is expected to return in early 2026, and Salkill has made it clear he wants to feature on the main card.

While discussing his recovery and comeback plans with Ariel Helwani, Quillan Salkilld said, “I’ve got about a month to sort out my foot. I think that’ll be good – after a month’s time it should be back to, you know, kicking order. And then it’s pretty much a two-month camp if it’s going to be early February, like the rumors say. So, I hope I can definitely get on that one, and hopefully on the main card.”

The UFC has shown consistent interest in the Australian market, having staged UFC 312 in Sydney earlier this year, in February 2025, following UFC 298 in the same month in 2024. Australia has, after all, produced some of the greatest stars in the promotion, with champions like Alexander Volkanovski and Robert Whittaker. With the promotion’s annual return likely, Salkilld has set his sights on being part of that event. When it comes to his next challenge, Salkilld already has a name in mind. The rising lightweight called out the No. 11-ranked Renato ‘Money’ Moicano, saying, “You know what, I heard someone like Moicano would be cool. I think that’s an okay challenge to face.”

At the same time, Salkilld acknowledged that targeting a former title contender might be “stupid,” given his relatively short UFC résumé at just 3-0. Even so, he made it clear he’s ready for any ranked opponent or at least a “well-known name” to continue building momentum in his young career.

Quillan Salkilld reflects on his UFC journey in 2025

Just a year ago, Quillan Salkilld was grinding it out on Dana White’s Contender Series, hoping for his shot at the big leagues. Now, in the fall of 2025, the 25-year-old Australian is sitting across from Ariel Helwani for a feature interview, marking a rapid rise for the Perth native. Since then, Salkilld’s journey from regional MMA shows to the global spotlight of the UFC has been nothing short of remarkable. In only three fights, he’s already collected two post-fight bonuses and quickly established himself as one of the most talked-about prospects in the lightweight division.

So, when Ariel Helwani highlighted his incredible rise, saying, “Last fall you were on Contender Series, and now you’ve had your third numbered UFC event, with two bonuses already. What a rookie year!“, the Australian lightweight humbly replied, “Yeah, it’s been a busy, successful year. I understand that in this game, you’re only at the top for a short time. It goes by fast, so I’m here to make the most of my youth. Realistically, I’ve got maybe ten years left, so I’ve got to make every year count. I think I’ve started off with a good one, and I’m looking to continue that into 2026.”

With his momentum building and a growing fan base behind him, the question now is how far Quillan Salkilld can go under Dana White’s promotion. Can the Australian standout continue his surge and hold his own against ranked competition? Share your thoughts below.