Della Maddalena and Prates Clash in Perth as Welterweight Title Shot Looms

Key facts

• Jack Della Maddalena (18-3) fights for the first time since losing the welterweight title to Islam Makhachev at UFC 322.
• Carlos Prates (23-7) is ranked fifth in the welterweight division and seeks a title shot with a win.
• The event takes place at RAC Arena in Perth, Western Australia on May 2, 2026.
• Prates is in the top 10 all-time for welterweight knockouts and could tie the record with a finish.
• In the co-main event, Quillan Salkilld faces veteran Beneil Dariush at lightweight.
• Heavyweight Tai Tuivasa aims to end a six-fight losing streak against short-notice replacement Louie Sutherland.

A High-Stakes Welterweight Showdown in Perth

Two of the welterweight division's elite strikers, Jack Della Maddalena and Carlos Prates, headline UFC Fight Night on Saturday, May 2, 2026, at RAC Arena in Perth, Western Australia. The bout carries immense title implications, as both men jockey for a shot at the welterweight championship. Della Maddalena, a former champion, returns to the octagon for the first time since losing his title to Islam Makhachev at UFC 322.

Della Maddalena's Redemption Arc

Jack Della Maddalena (18-3) has not fought since his title loss, a defeat that exposed vulnerabilities in his grappling against the current champion Makhachev. Despite showing strong grappling skills in past bouts, Della Maddalena was overwhelmed by Makhachev's wrestling at UFC 322. Now, he faces a dangerous striker in Prates, a test that will determine whether he can climb back into title contention.

Prates Eyes a Title Shot with a Statement Win

Carlos Prates (23-7) enters the fight with confidence, having compiled an impressive UFC run in less than two years. He is already a prolific finisher, ranking in the top 10 all-time for welterweight knockouts, and could tie the record with a victory on Saturday. Prates has made clear his intentions: 'I'll just hurt my opponents, make them give up [in their mind] and then knock them out.' He respects Della Maddalena's skills but predicts a long night for the former champion.

Prates Rejects Notion of Della Maddalena as 'Spoiled Goods'

Despite Della Maddalena's recent loss, Prates does not view him as a diminished fighter. 'I respect him. [He] have good skills, good boxing,' Prates told UFC.com. The Brazilian acknowledges the challenge but remains focused on his game plan, which he says is no secret: hurt opponents and finish them. Prates has been working toward this moment for 16 years, and he intends to keep his feet on the ground while pursuing championship gold.

Co-Main Event and Heavyweight Bout Add Depth

The card features a compelling co-main event, where Quillan Salkilld looks to continue his fast start in the UFC against veteran lightweight Beneil Dariush. Additionally, longtime heavyweight Tai Tuivasa aims to snap a six-fight losing streak when he faces Louie Sutherland, who steps in on short notice. These bouts add further intrigue to an already stacked Fight Night.

What Lies Ahead for the Winner

The winner of the main event will likely earn a title shot in the stacked welterweight division. For Della Maddalena, a victory would re-establish him as a top contender and erase the memory of his title loss. For Prates, it would be the culmination of a rapid rise and a chance to fight for the belt he has long coveted. The stakes could not be higher as both men prepare to leave everything in the octagon.

The bottom line

• Jack Della Maddalena returns from a title loss to face Carlos Prates in a welterweight main event with major title implications.
• Carlos Prates, ranked fifth, is a prolific finisher who could tie the all-time welterweight knockout record with a win.
• The fight takes place on May 2, 2026, at RAC Arena in Perth, Australia.
• Prates respects Della Maddalena but expects to knock him out, stating his game plan is no secret.
• The co-main event features Quillan Salkilld vs. Beneil Dariush, and Tai Tuivasa seeks to end a six-fight losing streak.
• The winner is likely to earn a title shot in the UFC welterweight division.