UFC Fight Night in Perth pits title-challenging Carlos Prates against returning Jack Della Maddalena
Jack Della Maddalena makes his return to the octagon following his loss of the welterweight title to Islam Makhachev, facing Carlos Prates in a high-stakes showdown scheduled for 1 May 2026.
Jack Della Maddalena and Carlos Prates are set to headline a UFC Fight Night event at the RAC Arena in Perth, Australia, on 1 May 2026. The main card is scheduled to commence at 7 a.m. local time, following preliminary card action that begins at 4 a.m. The entire event will be available for streaming via Paramount+.
The welterweight bout features Della Maddalena, who is returning to the octagon after losing the UFC welterweight title to Islam Makhachev in a one-sided contest. He faces Prates, a prolific knockout artist who ranks among the top-10 all-time for welterweight knockouts in UFC history. Prates is seeking a title shot and has expressed aspirations to challenge the champion following a potential victory over Ian Garry.
Della Maddalena has indicated that his recent defeat served as a catalyst for improving his decision-making and balancing his offensive and defensive strategies. He noted that his previous approach was too defensively minded, leading to opportunities for submisions that he failed to capitalise on. Conversely, Prates believes Della Maddalena will come to the fight angry and hungry to reclaim his status.
In the co-main event, Quillan Salkilld is scheduled to face Beneil Dariush. Salkilld recently earned a spot on CBS Sports' 2025 KO of the Year list and aims to secure a ranking for next week should he secure a victory. Dariush, described as a veteran lightweight, is expected to test the younger challenger despite potential signs of decline.
The event takes place at the RAC Arena in Perth, Australia, and is broadcast exclusively on the Paramount+ platform. Subscribers can access the full card, including every UFC numbered event and Fight Night, with plans starting as low as $8.99 per month or $89.99 per year.
While expert predictions and odds suggest a competitive matchup, the outcome remains uncertain. Both fighters are viewed as elite strikers, with Della Maddalena possessing superior boxing skills and Prates utilising a high-risk, high-reward style that relies on close-range kill shots.
