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Quillan Salkilld has officially entered the UFC lightweight title conversation after producing the most impressive performance of his career at UFC Vegas 120. The Australian submitted former title challenger Mateusz Gamrot in the opening round of Saturday’s main event at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas, extending his winning streak to 13 fights and handing one of the division’s elite grapplers a decisive defeat.
The event featured several memorable moments beyond the headline fight. Diego Ferreira reminded everyone that experience still matters in the lightweight division, Darren Elkins closed the curtain on a lengthy UFC career, and rising names such as Yadier del Valle, Alexia Thainara and Ty Miller continued building momentum.
Salkilld shines in biggest test of his career
Heading into the UFC Vegas 120 main event, Gamrot was widely expected to test Salkilld’s wrestling and championship composure. Instead, the Australian turned the contest into a statement victory that showcased every aspect of his evolving skill set.
After hurting Gamrot with sharp boxing early in the opening round, Salkilld successfully defended the Polish fighter’s takedown attempts before reversing the grappling exchanges. He capitalized on a scramble, secured back control and finished the fight with a rear naked choke at the 4:25 mark of the first round. The result improved Salkilld’s professional record to 13 and 1 while extending his unbeaten UFC run to 6 victories.
The victory is particularly significant because Gamrot has long been regarded as one of the strongest wrestlers in the lightweight division. Rather than avoiding the ground, Salkilld embraced the grappling exchanges and ultimately finished the fight in Gamrot’s strongest area.
At only 26 years old, Salkilld has now emerged as one of the division’s fastest rising contenders. His dominant win over a proven top ranked opponent puts him in line for a matchup against another elite lightweight in his next appearance.
Diego Ferreira turns back the clock
The co main event featured a classic battle between veterans as Diego Ferreira earned a unanimous decision victory over Billy Quarantillo.
Ferreira landed the cleaner and more damaging strikes throughout the three round contest while mixing in timely grappling to keep Quarantillo from building momentum. All three judges awarded the Brazilian every round, scoring the fight 30 27.
The performance earned Ferreira a share of the Fight of the Night bonus alongside Quarantillo, with both fighters receiving an additional $100,000 for delivering one of the evening’s most entertaining contests.
At 41 years old, Ferreira continues to prove that he remains a dangerous opponent capable of competing against experienced lightweights.
Darren Elkins retires after emotional farewell
One of the night’s most emotional moments came when UFC veteran Darren Elkins stepped into the Octagon for the final time.
The longtime featherweight announced before the event that the bout against Yadier del Valle would mark the end of his professional career. Unfortunately for Elkins, the fight lasted only 35 seconds as Del Valle connected with a powerful left hand to secure a first round TKO victory.
Despite the quick finish, Elkins received respect from fans and fellow fighters after concluding a UFC career that spanned more than 16 years. Known for his toughness and relentless style, he retires with 19 UFC victories, placing him among the most successful featherweights in promotional history.
Del Valle also showed class after the contest by paying tribute to Elkins before celebrating one of the biggest victories of his own career.
New contenders continue to emerge
Several prospects strengthened their credentials throughout the UFC Vegas 120 card.
Alexia Thainara secured arguably the biggest win of her career with a unanimous decision victory over former title challenger Amanda Lemos. The Brazilian outworked the veteran across three rounds to improve to 4 and 0 inside the UFC and establish herself as a legitimate contender in the women’s strawweight division.
Welterweight prospect Ty Miller also impressed, stopping Billy Ray Goff just 15 seconds into the third round after dominating most of the fight with his range, movement and striking accuracy. His unbeaten professional record now stands at 8 and 0, and the performance earned him a $100,000 Performance of the Night bonus.
Elsewhere on the card, Diyar Nurgozhay stopped Bruno Lopes with one second remaining in the opening round, Jose Montanha enjoyed a successful UFC debut with a first round submission victory, Miles Johns returned to the win column with a first round stoppage, while Juliana Miller and Carol Foro also picked up important victories.
UFC Vegas 120 results
Main Card
Quillan Salkilld defeated Mateusz Gamrot via first round rear naked choke
Diego Ferreira defeated Billy Quarantillo by unanimous decision
Yadier del Valle defeated Darren Elkins via first round TKO
Alexia Thainara defeated Amanda Lemos by unanimous decision
Ty Miller defeated Billy Ray Goff via third round TKO
Performance bonuses
Fight of the Night: Diego Ferreira vs Billy Quarantillo
Performance of the Night: Quillan Salkilld and Ty Miller.
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