The once-beaten Aussie is now hoping to parlay that success into a Top 15 callout, even if critics believe it’s a “stupid” idea to challenge lightweight mainstay Renato “Moicano” Carneiro after just one year of experience under the UFC banner.
“It’s gonna be early February like the rumors say, I hope I can definitely get on that one,” Salkilld, 25, told Ariel Helwani. “Hopefully, I can get on the main card. That would be a wicked step up, main card spot. Someone like a ‘Moicano’ would be cool. I think that’s a tough challenge to face. I’m ready for that.”
UFC is expected to make its return to Australia in early 2026.
“But at the same time, I understand I’ve only had three fights,” Salkilld (10-1) continued. “So I don’t know if that ends up being a stupid callout because of my inexperience. But I’m ready for that challenge. I hope they give me someone along the lines of that. Anyone that’s ranked, a well known name.”
