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.
"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."
Read at Cageside Press
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