Quillan Salkilld explains why he wanted the Mateusz Gamrot fight: 'I'm not looking to cherry-pick'

Quillan Salkilld has revealed why he specifically called out Mateusz Gamrot following his biggest UFC victory to date. The rising Australian lightweight insisted he isn't interested in taking the easy route to the top of the division and wanted a fight that would earn him respect.

Salkilld, after finishing top-ranked UFC lightweight veteran Beneil Dariush, called out Gamrot in the octagon interview, and the UFC granted his request.

The Australian is set to go to war with No. 6 lightweight Gamrot in the main event of UFC Vegas 120 this weekend. 

Quillan Salkilld Reveals Why Mateusz Gamrot was his First Choice

Speaking to reporters during Wednesday's UFC Vegas 120 media day, Salkilld said he was pleased the UFC booked the matchup, explaining that he wanted to test himself against one of the toughest fighters in the division rather than cherry-pick opponents.

"I called for it in my last fight, and I'm glad they gave it to me," Salkilld told the media. "He's a super tough fighter, no picnic for anyone, and that's exactly why I wanted the fight. I'm not looking to cherry-pick my way to the top of the division. I want hard fights. I want someone who's going to put a lot of respect on my name when I win against him."

The Australian added that Gamrot has been a fighter he has envisioned competing against ever since beginning his professional career. He also felt the timing was perfect, with several other top lightweights already booked in other matchups.

"I've been wanting to fight him for a long time, for ages," Salkilld said. "He's someone who's respected, and he's always someone I've envisioned fighting, ever since I was coming up through the pro ranks. He's always someone I've pictured in fighting, and a fun test to go up against. That's exactly why I called him out.”

Salkilld also explained that Gamrot's recent submission victory over Esteban Ribovics at UFC 327, along with the state of the lightweight division, made the matchup an easy choice.

“The timing was right. There was a few other lightweights that were matched up, and he was coming off a win a few weeks before that, so at the time it just made sense to me. Yeah, he's tough. I'm not going to call anyone out who I think is going to be easy. That would make me a p*ssy. I want to call for the hard fights." He added. 

Check out Quillan Salkilld's comments below: 

Quillan Salkilld's Career So Far

Salkilld made waves in his UFC debut. He finished indian fighter Anshul Jubli in just 19 seconds and arrived in style at the promotion. He finished his last three opponents in the first round and currently has five victories in the UFC. 

A victory over the sixth-ranked  Gamrot would likely propel Salkilld into title contention. All eyes will now be on UFC Vegas 120 to see whether the Australian can back up his words against one of the division's most respected veterans.