The UFC is scheduled to return to Perth, Australia, on May 2, 2026, with a headlining bout between former welterweight champion Jack Della Maddalena and Brazilian contender Carlos Prates. This announcement was made during Saturday’s UFC Mexico City broadcast, confirming the main event for the upcoming Fight Night at RAC Arena.
Jack Della Maddalena’s Rise and Title Journey
Jack Della Maddalena, holding an 18-3 record, overcame an initial setback by losing his first two professional MMA fights before embarking on an 18-fight winning streak. His path to the UFC championship included victories over notable fighters such as Randy Brown, Kevin Holland, and Gilbert Burns. In May of last year, he claimed the welterweight title by defeating Belal Muhammad.
However, Maddalena’s first title defense was against hall of famer Islam Makhachev, who secured a comprehensive five-round decision, handing Maddalena his first UFC loss.
Carlos Prates’ Recent Success and UFC Momentum
Carlos Prates has demonstrated strong performance with a 6-1 UFC record, coming off a knockout victory against former champion Leon Edwards in November. Prior to that, Prates earned another knockout at UFC 319 in August, utilizing a spinning back elbow to finish Geoff Neal. These impressive wins have increased anticipation for his showdown with Della Maddalena in Perth.
Expectations for UFC’s Return to Perth
As the UFC prepares for this Fight Night event at the RAC Arena, no additional fights have been disclosed so far. The matchup between Della Maddalena and Prates represents a significant moment for both fighters and fans, highlighting the competitive depth of the welterweight division. This event marks an important return to Australia for the promotion, drawing attention to the growth of mixed martial arts in the region.
