Della Maddalena Returns to UFC Octagon After Title Loss, Faces Prates in Perth

Key facts

• Jack Della Maddalena (18-3) returns to the octagon for the first time since losing his welterweight crown to Islam Makhachev in New York last November.
• Carlos Prates (23-7), ranked No.5 in the welterweight division, has 18 knockouts from 23 victories.
• Prates declared, 'I will knock him out,' but declined to specify the round.
• Della Maddalena expects a 25-minute battle, saying he will 'push the pace' and drag Prates into 'deep waters.'
• The fight headlines an event featuring multiple Western Australian fighters at RAC Arena.
• Della Maddalena described his previous defeat as one where he 'looked utterly helpless' against Makhachev's wrestling.

A Champion's Return After a Humiliating Defeat

Jack Della Maddalena steps back into the UFC octagon for the first time since losing his welterweight title to future Hall of Famer Islam Makhachev in New York last November. The defeat was a brutal one: Della Maddalena was repeatedly taken down and controlled on the ground, looking utterly helpless as Makhachev wrestled him to the floor time and again. That memory still stings, and the Australian fighter is eager to unleash his frustrations on Saturday night in Perth. Standing across from him will be Carlos Prates, the No.5 ranked challenger in the welterweight division. Prates, a Brazilian with a 23-7 record, has built a reputation as a devastating striker, with 18 of his victories coming by knockout. He hopes a win in enemy territory will earn him a title shot.

Prates Pledges a Knockout, Della Maddalena Prepares for War

Prates was not shy about making a bold prediction ahead of the fight. 'I will knock him out,' he declared. 'I know he just lost the title, and I'm sure he's trying to get back in the run for the title. So I think he wants to come really angry, hungry, 100 per cent to get the win.' The Brazilian refused to specify which round he would end the fight, calling it a 'surprise.' Della Maddalena, however, has a different vision for the bout. 'He brings a lot of weapons,' the Australian acknowledged. 'He's got finishes with almost every strike he's got. So it's dangerous. It's a dangerous fight.' But Della Maddalena is confident in his own game plan: 'I have to be switched on, but I believe I'll be able to push the pace, drag him into deep waters, and I'm expecting a 25-minute battle.'

A Showcase of Western Australian Talent

The event at RAC Arena is not just about Della Maddalena's comeback; it is a celebration of local MMA talent. Della Maddalena expressed pride in headlining a card bursting with fighters from Western Australia. The Perth crowd is expected to be firmly behind their hometown hero, adding an extra layer of intensity to an already high-stakes welterweight clash. For Prates, fighting in front of a hostile crowd is nothing new. The 32-year-old has competed across the globe and is unfazed by the prospect of silencing the Australian fans. 'I will knock him out,' he repeated, underscoring his confidence.

The Stakes: A Title Shot on the Line

For Prates, a victory in Perth could be the springboard to a welterweight title bout. Currently ranked fifth, a decisive win over a former champion like Della Maddalena would strengthen his case for a shot at the belt. The Brazilian's knockout power makes him a dangerous opponent for anyone in the division, and he is eager to prove he belongs at the top. Della Maddalena, meanwhile, is fighting to re-establish himself after the humbling loss to Makhachev. A win over a top-five contender would put him back in the title conversation, but the path is steep. The Australian knows he must first get past Prates, a man who has finished the vast majority of his opponents.

Fight Night Preview: What to Expect

The bout is scheduled for five rounds, and both fighters have prepared accordingly. Della Maddalena expects a grueling contest, emphasizing his ability to push the pace and drag Prates into deep waters. The Australian's wrestling and cardio will be key factors if he hopes to neutralize Prates' striking. Prates, on the other hand, will look to end the fight early. With 18 knockouts in 23 wins, his track record suggests he needs only one clean shot to change the course of the fight. The Brazilian's unpredictability—he refused to tip his hand on the round—adds an element of suspense to the matchup.

The Bigger Picture: UFC's Growing Presence in Australia

Saturday's event marks another major UFC card in Australia, a market the promotion has increasingly targeted in recent years. Perth's RAC Arena has hosted several high-profile fights, and the local fan base has shown strong support for homegrown talent. Della Maddalena's return is a key part of that narrative, as he looks to bounce back from his first UFC loss. For the welterweight division, the outcome of this fight could have ripple effects. A Prates win would inject a new contender into the title picture, while a Della Maddalena victory would keep the Australian in the mix. Either way, Saturday night promises to deliver fireworks.

The bottom line

• Jack Della Maddalena returns to the octagon after losing his welterweight title to Islam Makhachev in November.
• Carlos Prates, ranked No.5, has 18 knockouts and has vowed to knock out Della Maddalena.
• Della Maddalena expects a five-round war and plans to push the pace.
• The fight headlines a card featuring multiple Western Australian fighters at RAC Arena in Perth.
• A win for Prates could earn him a title shot; a win for Della Maddalena would revive his title ambitions.
• The bout is a key test for both fighters in the competitive welterweight division.