UFC Fight Night: Della Maddalena vs Prates – Full Fight Card, Stats, Preview & Analysis
The UFC returns to Australia on May 2, 2026, for UFC Fight Night: Della Maddalena vs Prates at RAC Arena in Perth. This UFC Perth fight card 2026 headlines a high-stakes welterweight clash between local favorite Jack Della Maddalena and dangerous Brazilian striker Carlos Prates. Fans across the globe are buzzing about the UFC May 2, 2026 event, which promises electric atmosphere, stylistic matchups, and rising contenders.
Perth’s passionate crowd will pack RAC Arena for the promotion’s latest Australian stop, blending experienced veterans with hungry prospects. The card features a mix of grappling battles, striking wars, and potential Fight of the Night candidates. Whether you’re searching for the UFC full fight card May 2026, UFC Australia event 2026 details, or in-depth UFC Perth fight analysis, this preview covers everything.
Event Overview
UFC Fight Night: Della Maddalena vs. Prates takes place on Saturday, May 2, 2026, at RAC Arena in Perth, Western Australia. The venue, also known as Perth Arena, has hosted memorable UFC events and is set for another raucous night.
- Date: May 2, 2026
- Venue: RAC Arena, Perth, Australia
- Main Card Start: 7:00 PM AWST (local time)
- Prelims Start: 4:00 PM AWST
- Broadcast: Paramount+ (live streaming)
For international viewers, here are approximate start times:
- US East Coast (ET): Prelims around 5:00 AM, Main Card around 8:00 AM
- US West Coast (PT): Prelims around 2:00 AM, Main Card around 5:00 AM
- UK (BST): Prelims around 9:00 AM, Main Card around 12:00 PM
- Asia (e.g., Singapore/Malaysia): Prelims around 4:00 PM, Main Card around 7:00 PM
This marks another significant step in the UFC’s continued expansion in Australia. Perth events are known for high-energy crowds that create an intimidating atmosphere for visiting fighters while cheering loudly for local heroes. The card mixes Australian talent with international contenders, delivering a perfect blend of rising prospects and seasoned veterans. Past Perth shows, like UFC 284, delivered massive gates and unforgettable moments, setting high expectations for this UFC RAC Arena event.
Main Event Breakdown: Jack Della Maddalena vs Carlos Prates (Welterweight)
The UFC welterweight main event pits former champion Jack Della Maddalena (18-3-0) against Carlos Prates (23-7-0) in what promises to be a technical striking showcase.
Fighter Comparison Table:
| Stat | Jack Della Maddalena | Carlos Prates |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 5’11” | 6’1″ |
| Reach | 73″ | 78″ |
| Age | 29 | 32 |
| Stance | Switch | Switch |
| Strikes Landed per Minute (SLpM) | 5.57 | 3.77 |
| Striking Accuracy | 55.77% | 55.42% |
Jack Della Maddalena brings high-volume pressure and clean boxing technique. His ability to maintain output while advancing makes him dangerous in mid-range exchanges. The Australian southpaw/orthodox switch stance allows him to adapt quickly, and his experience at the highest level gives him an edge in pace control.
Carlos Prates counters with a significant reach advantage and a more patient, technical kickboxing background. The Brazilian likes to use distance to set up powerful shots, making the volume vs reach battle a central theme. Prates can be methodical, waiting for openings while Della Maddalena looks to swarm with combinations.
Key angles to watch include:
- How Della Maddalena closes distance without walking into Prates’ longer weapons.
- Mid-range striking exchanges where both men’s accuracy will be tested.
- Potential for the fight to be dictated by who controls the pace early.
This matchup could have major implications for the welterweight division, as a win for either man keeps them in the title conversation.
Co-Main & Featured Fights
Beneil Dariush vs Quillan Salkilld (Lightweight)
Veteran Beneil Dariush (23-7-1) faces rising star Quillan Salkilld in the co-main event. Dariush is an elite grappler with vast experience, known for his slick submissions and wrestling. Salkilld, a young and aggressive fighter from Perth, brings speed and striking power as a local hero.
The dynamic pits experience versus youth and grappling versus striking. Salkilld’s momentum as a fast-rising contender meets Dariush’s proven ability to weather storms and capitalize on mistakes. This could be a highlight reel fight with massive lightweight division implications.
Tai Tuivasa vs Sean Sharaf (Heavyweight)
Fan favorite Tai Tuivasa returns looking to snap a losing streak with his trademark knockout power and charismatic presence. Sean Sharaf counters with high output (reportedly around 7+ strikes per minute in recent showings) and volume striking.
The key angle is power versus volume. Tuivasa can end the fight with one shot, while Sharaf aims to overwhelm with consistent pressure. Perth crowds love “Bam Bam,” so expect massive support and potential for an early finish.
Cam Rowston vs Robert Bryczek (Middleweight)
Cam Rowston brings a reach advantage (78”) into this technical matchup against Robert Bryczek. Both are skilled strikers, so range control will decide much of the action. Expect a chess match on the feet with occasional grappling exchanges.
Jacob Malkoun vs Gerald Meerschaert (Middleweight)
This is a classic grappler versus submission expert bout. Jacob Malkoun boasts elite wrestling (averaging over 5 takedowns per 15 minutes in some performances), while Gerald Meerschaert is a dangerous finisher with multiple submission wins. Malkoun will likely look to control position, whereas Meerschaert hunts for the finish from his back or in scrambles.
Steve Erceg vs Tim Elliott (Flyweight)
Well-rounded Steve Erceg meets high-pace veteran Tim Elliott. Elliott’s grappling and relentless energy test Erceg’s athleticism and composure. This features experience versus athleticism in one of the most technical divisions.
Prelims Breakdown
The prelims deliver several intriguing matchups perfect for early risers or those streaming on Paramount+:
- Junior Tafa vs Kevin Christian — Size and power versus technical precision in a heavyweight scrap.
- Shamil Gaziev vs Brando Peričić — Heavyweight striking battle where Peričić’s extremely high output meets Gaziev’s power.
- Jonathan Micallef vs Themba Gorimbo — Rising talent against an experienced campaigner.
- Colby Thicknesse vs Vince Morales — Balanced bantamweight fight with close striking stats; expect a competitive decision.
- Dom Mar Fan vs Kody Steele — Wrestling-heavy approach versus striking in a fun stylistic clash.
- Wes Schultz vs Ben Johnston — Experienced Schultz welcomes debutant Johnston.
These bouts add depth to the UFC Perth fight card 2026 and often produce upsets or standout performances.
Full Fight Card
Main Card (Paramount+):
- Jack Della Maddalena vs Carlos Prates (Welterweight)
- Beneil Dariush vs Quillan Salkilld (Lightweight)
- Tai Tuivasa vs Sean Sharaf (Heavyweight)
- Cam Rowston vs Robert Bryczek (Middleweight)
- Jacob Malkoun vs Gerald Meerschaert (Middleweight)
- Steve Erceg vs Tim Elliott (Flyweight)
Prelims (Paramount+):
- Junior Tafa vs Kevin Christian
- Shamil Gaziev vs Brando Peričić
- Jonathan Micallef vs Themba Gorimbo
- Colby Thicknesse vs Vince Morales
- Dom Mar Fan vs Kody Steele
- Wes Schultz vs Ben Johnston
(Note: Fight cards can see last-minute changes due to injuries or other factors. Always check official UFC sources for updates.)
Fighters to Watch
- Jack Della Maddalena — Elite pressure striker with championship pedigree.
- Carlos Prates — Technical kickboxer with knockout threat and reach.
- Quillan Salkilld — Explosive rising lightweight and local favorite.
- Brando Peričić — High-output heavyweight who can overwhelm opponents.
- Colby Thicknesse — Developing bantamweight prospect worth tracking.
Additional standouts include Tai Tuivasa for entertainment value and the grapplers in the middleweight and flyweight bouts.
Potential Impact on Divisions
A decisive result in the Jack Della Maddalena vs Carlos Prates main event could shift welterweight rankings and title contention. The lightweight co-main offers exposure for a young contender or a veteran resurgence. Middleweight and flyweight matchups may influence lower rankings, while the heavyweight bout keeps the division’s wild nature alive.
Overall, this UFC May 2026 fight schedule Australia event strengthens the promotion’s presence in the region and gives regional talent a platform.
UFC Australia History and Perth Context
The UFC has built a strong following in Australia, with Perth becoming a key stop. Events like UFC 221, UFC 284, and UFC 305 delivered historic moments, massive gates, and electric crowds. RAC Arena has seen Volkanovski’s early dominance, Della Maddalena’s statement wins, and memorable knockouts. This 2026 card continues that tradition on a Saturday night prime-time slot — a first for some Australian UFC events — promising even bigger energy.
Perth crowds are famous for their passion, often creating one of the loudest atmospheres in the sport. Local fighters feed off that support, which can be a real factor in close fights.
How to Watch UFC Fight Night: Della Maddalena vs Prates
Stream the entire event live on Paramount+.
- Prelims: Starting at 4:00 PM AWST / corresponding international times
- Main Card: 7:00 PM AWST
The platform offers easy access across devices with high-quality streaming. Check your local listings or Paramount+ app for exact times in your region. Early prelims or early access may be available depending on your subscription.
Conclusion
UFC Fight Night: Della Maddalena vs Prates delivers a compelling international fight card with a technical welterweight main event, exciting co-main, and multiple stylistic clashes. From high-volume striking to grappling wars and heavyweight fireworks, the card has something for every MMA fan.
The blend of prospects and veterans, combined with Perth’s legendary crowd, makes this a must-watch UFC Australia event 2026. Expect technical battles, potential barnburners, and lasting impacts on several divisions.
Don’t miss the action! Mark your calendar for May 2, 2026, subscribe to Paramount+, and get ready for an unforgettable night of UFC action live from RAC Arena.
What are your predictions for the main event or which fight are you most excited to see? Drop your thoughts in the comments below, share this preview with fellow fight fans, and subscribe for more UFC previews, analysis, and breakdowns. Let’s discuss the UFC Perth fight card 2026!
