India’s Anshul Jubli’s return to the octagon ended in a swift defeat as he was knocked out in just 19 seconds at UFC 312 in Sydney. In the early prelims at Qudos Bank Arena, Jubli faced local favorite Quillan Salkilld, who ended the bout with a single, decisive punch.
The 35-year-old, making his comeback after more than 470 days away from competition, was overwhelmed by Salkilld’s aggressive start when a powerful right hand sent him crashing to the canvas, forcing the referee to immediately halt the contest.
The stoppage sparked controversy, with some questioning whether the decision was premature. Jubli, who debuted at UFC 294 in Abu Dhabi against Mike Breeden last October, is only the second Indian fighter after Bharat Khandare, to secure a UFC contract.
Despite his recent loss, a previous interview has resurfaced in which Anshul Jubli boldly compared himself with former champion Khabib Nurmagomedov. In the viral clip, he asserted his ability to submit or knock out Khabib in two rounds:
“If Khabib fights with me next month, maybe my chances of winning will be less. It won’t be 5 years from now. The chances won’t be less, 2-3 years from now. They may be less today skill-wise. There’s no difference in Khabib and me. There’s no difference. I have a world champion mindset. I’m very strong mentally. Nothing can break me. You can’t do anything in the world that can break me. I am that person.”
He further added:
“If there is something different between Khabib and me, then they are different on skill levels. But I will definitely take that chance. I have to survive the first round. Can knockout in the second round. I can submit Khabib, I can do anything. So that confidence is there. And if I get a call that with Khabib– Or with the current champion Islam if I have a fight, I will jump at that opportunity.”
Check out Anshul Jubli’s comment below (1:01:44):