"Quillan Salkilld burst onto the MMA scene with the kind of poise, power, and finishing instinct rarely seen in a UFC debut, immediately marking himself as a problem for the lightweight division. Shot selection and ruthless efficiency made every moment he was in the cage box office, signaling that his rise isn't a flash in the pan. In a year loaded with strong rookie performances, Salkilld separated himself by looking less like a newcomer and more like a future contender from the moment the lights hit him."
"This is a tough one, and for me, Baisangur Susurkaev, Quillan Salkilld, and Kevin Vallejos were all in the running. Process of elimination: Susurkaev made a big splash fighting less than a week after his DWCS win. That said, he fought just twice and while he won, his level of competition isn't comparable to Salkilld or Vallejos. Both went 3-0 on the year. Salkilld got the big finish over Nasrat Haqparast. Both men earned two finishes and a decision in 2025."
Newcomer status is defined as any fighter new to a major promotion. Quillan Salkilld impressed with poise, power, sharp shot selection, and efficient finishes in a standout UFC debut. Steven Asplund made strong impressions both in the cage and on the microphone as a DWCS product. Kevin Vallejos compiled a 3-0 record with victories over Seung-Woo Choi, Danny Silva, and Giga Chikadze, facing a tougher opponent slate. Baisangur Susurkaev debuted on the contender series with a first-round knockout and returned to competition quickly. Multiple fighters generated debate for Newcomer of the Year honors.
Read at Cageside Press
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