Quillan Salkilld scored one of the fastest knockouts in UFC history during his debut at UFC 312, knocking out Anshul Jubli with a single right hand just 19 seconds after the fight began. The event took place on February 8, 2025, at the Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney, Australia, making for an electrifying opener to the night’s fights.
Salkilld, who is now 8-1 overall, entered the octagon riding high after earning his spot through Dana White’s Contender Series. His opponent, Anshul Jubli, was no stranger to the ring, having recently won the Road to UFC lightweight tournament, but Salkilld was heavily favored to win. Both fighters quickly engaged, with Salkilld effectively using leg kicks and jabs to set up his powerful right hand.
It was truly remarkable how quickly the situation escalated. Salkilld pawed his left hand at Jubli, creating the perfect opening before unleashing his right hand, crashing it against the side of Jubli’s head. Jubli came crashing down to the canvas, leading to the referee stepping in just moments later. Jubli attempted to protest the stoppage, visibly shaking his head as the announcement of the knockout echoed through the arena.
“Dream come true. Only thing would make it be even more special is if there’s $50,000 extra in the bank for the one-punch knockout,” Salkilld remarked during the post-fight interview with Daniel Cormier, expressing his jubilation over his incredible debut. The crowd erupted as Salkilld celebrated his swift victory, marking this event as one of the most memorable debuts seen.
The impact of the fight extended beyond just entertainment; it also marked Salkilld’s name alongside some of the fastest finishes among UFC lightweights. This knockout is now recorded as the second-fastest debut finish, coming just shy of the record set by Terrance McKinney, who finished his first fight in only seven seconds.
Despite its brevity, the fight revealed Salkilld’s strategic approach. “I have no words for it. 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,” Salkilld articulated, reflecting on his sharp instincts and the preparation he underwent to make his first outing one for the history books.
Anshul Jubli's defeat, which left him struggling with back-to-back losses for his UFC career now at 1-2, was contentious. Jubli, determined to show he was still competitive, argued against the referee's decision to stop the fight so quickly, grabbing for Salkilld’s legs as the ref pulled him away. Some within the audience and media speculated on whether the referee acted too hastily, considering Jubli wasn’t completely out at the time of the stoppage.
Notably, the UFC 312 event not only served as Salkilld’s debut but also showcased the growing talent pool within the organization’s lightweight division. Salkilld’s emergence as a fighter to watch could signal potential shifts within the rankings, especially if he builds on this astonishing performance.
The excitement of Quillan Salkilld's 19-second knockout has undoubtedly set high expectations for both his career and upcoming fights. The Australian lightweight has made his mark, and with such determination, it’s clear he’s aiming for the stars within the UFC.
For complete UFC 312 results, coverage, and notable highlights, fans can visit sports networks like ESPN and other MMA-related platforms, which are sure to showcase Salkilld's thrilling finish alongside other fight recaps from the event.