UFC 312 kicked off with a bit of controversy featuring two promising lightweight prospects.
UFC lightweight Quillan Salkilld’s promotional debut ended in a 19-second knockout at UFC 312, but many fans questioned referee Jim Perdios for the quick stoppage.
Salkilld and Anshul Jubli kicked things off at UFC 312 in Sydney. Despite losing one preliminary fight on hours’ notice, the prelims didn’t disappoint, and the night began with a wild highlight-reel knockout.
Just seconds into the fight, Salkilld dropped Jubli with a thunderous right hand that bounced Jubli’s head off the canvas. Despite the fight initially appearing over, Jubli attempted a double-leg takedown as Perdios stepped in to stop the action.
Jubli immediately protested the stoppage and Salkilld’s debut win was overshadowed by controversy. As of this writing, the UFC brass hasn’t weighed in on the end of Salkilld vs. Jubli.
However, plenty of fight fans gave Perdios poor performance reviews in response to the Salkilld knockout.
UFC fans furious debate stoppage in UFC 312 kickoff fight
UFC lightweight Renato Moicano and fight fans blasted Perdios after the Salkilld/Jubli stoppage.
“TERRIBLE STOPPAGE IN THE FIRST SECOND OF THE FIRST FIGHT! GREAT DAY,” Moicano posted.
“That was whack,” one fan tweeted.
“Trash Stoppage. Let the boys fight! What happened to the sport I love?”
“Let ’em fight! Ref called it too soon.”
“Beautiful knockdown with b——- by the ref. Absolutely horrific stoppage.”
“Terrible stoppage. Not sure what ref thinks he saw.”
“Ref stopped that too early.”
“Out of all of the early stoppage debates that we’ve had recently that one was definitely too early. But I do believe that when he brought his hand up to protect his head the referee probably thought he’s done.”
“I hope the evening will not be like that quick stoppage by the referee!!”
“Bought and paid for.”
Those who believe the stoppage was warranted argue the optics of Jubli getting knocked down on his head left Perdios in an impossible position. But online, the majority of fight fans felt the stoppage was premature.
Quillan Salkilld vs. Anshul Jubli stoppage is the latest questionable UFC finishes
Salkilld made his UFC debut after a unanimous decision win on Dana White’s Contender Series over Gauge Young in September. The former Eternal MMA standout has won seven consecutive fights after falling in his professional debut in Feb. 2021.
Jubli made his UFC return looking to avoid the first losing streak of his career. After winning his UFC debut in Feb. 2023 by second-round knockout, Jubli lost to Mike Breeden by third-round knockout at UFC 294.
Jubli secured a spot in the UFC via Road to UFC, a tournament format aimed at giving up-and-coming fights in Asia shots in the Octagon. He was unbeaten through his first six fights before his back-to-back losses to Breeden and Salkilld.
As of this writing, it’s uncertain if Jubli and his team will appeal his loss at UFC 312. Regardless, UFC 312 kicked off with one big punch and a heavily-debated finish.
Following along with all the latest from UFC 312 here. The card is headlined by a middleweight title rematch between Dricus du Plessis and Sean Strickland.