UFC Hall of Famer and commentator Daniel Cormier was left stunned by Quillan Salkilld’s performance after the Australian produced a result few expected against Mateusz Gamrot at UFC Vegas 120.
Salkilld submitted the highly regarded lightweight grappler in the first round, securing a rear-naked choke after taking Gamrot down and taking his back.
Cormier admitted that a submission victory was the one outcome he never saw coming. He said:
“To take him down, choke him out in the first round, that was the one result I did not expect at all.”
Daniel Cormier Shocked by Salkilld’s Grappling
Cormier had previously considered several possible paths to victory for Quillan Salkilld, but believed a decision or knockout was far more realistic than beating ‘Gamer’ with grappling.
“I thought he could win a decision. I thought he could win by knockout. But to think he could win by submission, that’s absolutely crazy.”
Salkilld first rocked Gamrot with a left hook as the Polish veteran came forward before defending an early leg-lock attempt.
Salkilld Stuns Gamrot With His Own Weapon
The Australian then turned the tables, initiating a takedown and working his way to Gamrot’s back before locking in the rear-naked choke and forcing the tap.
The manner of the victory made it particularly impressive given Gamrot’s reputation as one of the UFC’s elite lightweight wrestlers.
Cormier was ultimately left with a simple conclusion after watching Salkilld dismantle Gamrot’s biggest strength. ‘DC’ concluded:
“I’m stunned by how good Quillan Salkilld really is.”
Check out Daniel Cormier’s comments about Quillan Salkilld below:
The victory represents the biggest win of Salkilld’s career and could propel him toward the lightweight rankings. The Australian also made his ambitions clear immediately after the finish, calling for a top-five opponent next.
After submitting one of the division’s most dangerous grapplers with his own weapon, Salkilld has given the lightweight division plenty of reason to pay attention.
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