Daniel Cormier reveals what surprised him most about Quillan Salkilld's win over Mateusz Gamrot

Quillan Salkilld left the MMA world stunned with his performance against Mateusz Gamrot on August 8 at the Meta APEX in Las Vegas, Nevada. 

Salkilld is receiving widespread praise from the MMA community, and recently, UFC Hall of Famer Daniel Cormier weighed in, sharing his thoughts and revealing what surprised him most about the Australian's dominant performance. 

Daniel Cormier praises Quillan Salkilld after stunning submission win over Mateusz Gamrot

In the lead-up to the fight, many believed Gamrot would be Salkilld's toughest test, considering the Polish fighter's elite wrestling pedigree, and many counted out the 26-year-old. However, Salkilld silenced his doubters with a spectacular performance. The Australian not only secured the biggest win of his career but also managed to outgrapple one of the most respected wrestlers in the lightweight division and submit the veteran via rear-naked choke late in the first round.

His performance has drawn plenty of praise from the MMA community. Cormier also joined the list. In his latest YouTube video, the former UFC double champion highlighted several moments from the fight that impressed him. One moment that stood out the most was the Australian, taking Gamrot down with a perfectly timed double-leg before eventually securing the submission.

“First action is a scramble. Salkilld handles it. Then Gamrot rolls to a leg lock. Salkilld handles it. Then the next thing is what surprised me the most and probably what was most impressive.” Cormier said. “He goes, and he takes him down, guys. He goes, and he takes him down with a beautiful double leg. Great timing, and then submits him.” 

UFC Hall of Famer admitted that a submission victory for Salkilld was not among the outcomes he expected heading into the matchup. He also compared the Australians' victory to Charles Oliveira's win over Gamrot in 2025, highlighting that Salkilld accomplished a similar feat in even less time.

“I would have probably given you multiple scenarios as to how that fight will play out. Salkilld submitting Mateusz Gamrot was not one of them in the least. Quillan Salkilld has now done to Beneil Dariush and Gamrot what Charles Olivera has done, but faster and better.” Cormier continued. 

Cormier says Salkilld has announced himself to the lightweight elite

The former champion also praised the Australian's rapid development and believes the 26-year-old made a statement with the victory on Saturday. 

“Honestly, it's always fun when you get a young prospect that truly does announce himself to the elite, and you get the feel that it's believable and he could take this way past what many thought he could. That was not only a victory, that was a statement for Quillan Salkilld.” Cormier added. 

Salkilld's first-round submission of Gamrot improved his record to 13-1-0. He has finished his last four opponents in the first round, further strengthening his name in the division, and he could now be just one victory away from entering the title shot.