Marwan Rahiki Gets New Opponent for UFC Perth After Jack Jenkins Withdraws

Key facts

• Jack Jenkins withdrew from UFC Perth featherweight bout due to undisclosed injury.
• Marwan Rahiki (9-0, 7 KOs) makes second UFC appearance.
• Ollie Schmid steps in on less than a week's notice, debuts in UFC.
• Schmid (4-2) enters on a three-fight winning streak, last win a 15-second spinning back fist KO.
• UFC Perth takes place May 2 at RAC Arena in Perth, Australia.
• Main event: Jack Della Maddalena vs. Carlos Prates; co-main: Beneil Dariush vs. Quillan Salkilld.

Late Change Rocks UFC Perth Card

Just three days before UFC Perth, the featherweight division has been shaken by a last-minute withdrawal. Jack Jenkins, originally scheduled to face Marwan Rahiki, has been pulled from the bout due to an undisclosed injury, the promotion announced Wednesday. Stepping in on short notice is New Zealand's Ollie Schmid, who will make his UFC debut against Rahiki in a 145-pound clash. The fight now adds an element of unpredictability to a card already stacked with high-profile matchups.

Rahiki Seeks to Extend Perfect Record

Marwan Rahiki, nicknamed “Freaky,” enters the octagon for the second time in his UFC career with an unblemished 9-0 professional record. All nine of his wins have come by stoppage, including seven knockouts. His most recent victories include second-round finishes over Ananias Mulumba and Harry Hardwick, the former on Dana White’s Contender Series and the latter in the UFC. Rahiki turned professional in 2024 and has not gone the distance in any fight. His aggressive style and finishing ability have quickly made him a prospect to watch in the featherweight division.

Schmid Answers the Call on Short Notice

Ollie Schmid, 4-2 as a professional, received a last-minute opportunity to join the UFC roster. The New Zealander is riding a three-fight winning streak, most recently a spectacular 15-second spinning back fist knockout over Jeffrey Mesa in March. That performance likely caught the attention of matchmakers, leading to his emergency call-up. Schmid will be making his promotional debut under difficult circumstances, facing an undefeated opponent with less than a week to prepare. The bout represents both a significant opportunity and a daunting challenge for the 26-year-old.

UFC Perth: Full Card Details

UFC Fight Night: Della Maddalena vs. Prates takes place Saturday, May 2, at the RAC Arena in Perth, Western Australia. The event features a main event between former welterweight champion Jack Della Maddalena and Carlos Prates. In the co-main event, Beneil Dariush faces Quillan Salkilld. The card airs on a special schedule: preliminary bouts begin at 4 a.m. ET / 1 a.m. PT, followed by the main card at 7 a.m. ET / 4 a.m. PT. The entire event will stream live on Paramount+.

Implications for Both Fighters

For Rahiki, the opponent change introduces uncertainty. Schmid's unorthodox striking, highlighted by his spinning back fist, could pose problems that Jenkins might not have offered. However, Rahiki's power and experience in the UFC cage give him a clear edge on paper. For Schmid, a win over a highly touted prospect would be a career-defining moment. A loss, while expected given the circumstances, would not necessarily derail his UFC tenure if he performs well. The bout serves as a high-stakes audition for the newcomer.

What Comes Next

The winner of Rahiki vs. Schmid will likely move up the featherweight ladder, with Rahiki aiming for a ranked opponent if he prevails. For Schmid, a competitive showing could earn him a second fight in the promotion. The late change underscores the volatility of fight cards, where injuries can alter matchups days before the event. UFC Perth now carries an extra layer of intrigue as two hungry fighters collide on short notice.

The bottom line

• Marwan Rahiki faces Ollie Schmid at UFC Perth after Jack Jenkins withdraws due to injury.
• Rahiki is undefeated at 9-0 with all wins by stoppage, including 7 knockouts.
• Schmid makes his UFC debut on three days' notice, riding a three-fight win streak.
• UFC Perth takes place May 2 at RAC Arena, headlined by Della Maddalena vs. Prates.
• The event streams live on Paramount+ with early morning start times for U.S. viewers.