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

Key facts

• Marwan Rahiki is 9-0 as a professional, with all wins by stoppage, including seven knockouts.
• Jack Jenkins withdrew from UFC Perth due to an undisclosed injury, announced Wednesday.
• Ollie Schmid steps in on less than a week's notice, making his UFC debut.
• Schmid is 4-2 in MMA, on a three-fight winning streak, with a 15-second spinning back fist knockout in March.
• UFC Perth takes place at RAC Arena, headlined by Jack Della Maddalena vs. Carlos Prates.
• The co-main event is Beneil Dariush vs. Quillan Salkilld.

A Late Shake-Up in Perth

Just three days before UFC Perth, the featherweight division has seen a last-minute reshuffle. Jack Jenkins, originally scheduled to face Marwan Rahiki, has been forced off the card due to an undisclosed injury, the UFC announced Wednesday. Stepping into the void is New Zealander Ollie Schmid, who has agreed to fight on less than a week's notice. The bout will proceed as a 145-pound clash, preserving Rahiki's opportunity to compete on the card.

Rahiki's Undefeated Run Continues

Marwan Rahiki, nicknamed "Freaky," will make his second walk to the octagon with an unblemished record of 9-0 since turning professional in 2024. All of his victories have come by stoppage, with seven knockouts among them. His most recent wins include second-round stoppages over Ananias Mulumba at Dana White's Contender Series and Harry Hardwick in the UFC. Rahiki has yet to see the judges' scorecards in his professional career.

Schmid's Last-Minute Opportunity

Ollie Schmid, 4-2 in the sport, received a late call to the UFC and will make his promotional debut in Perth. He enters the fight on a three-fight winning streak, most notably a 15-second spinning back fist knockout over Jeffrey Mesa this past March in his native New Zealand. Schmid's quick turnaround from his last fight to a UFC debut underscores the unpredictable nature of fight bookings, particularly when injuries force late changes.

The Main Event and Co-Headliner

UFC Perth, taking place at the RAC Arena, is headlined by a welterweight clash between former champion Jack Della Maddalena and Carlos Prates. The co-main event features Beneil Dariush against Quillan Salkilld. The card has already generated buzz, with bonuses announced for standout performances, including Carlos Prates earning an extra $100,000.

Implications for the Featherweight Division

For Rahiki, a win over Schmid would extend his finishing streak and potentially earn him a ranked opponent next. For Schmid, a victory on short notice could catapult him into the UFC's featherweight conversation. The late change adds an element of uncertainty to the bout, as Schmid's style and durability remain relatively untested at the highest level. However, his recent knockout power suggests he is not simply a replacement fighter but a legitimate threat.

The bottom line

• Marwan Rahiki faces Ollie Schmid at UFC Perth after Jack Jenkins withdrew due to injury.
• Rahiki is undefeated with all wins by stoppage, including seven knockouts.
• Schmid makes his UFC debut on short notice, riding a three-fight winning streak.
• The event takes place Saturday at RAC Arena in Perth, Australia.
• The main event is Jack Della Maddalena vs. Carlos Prates; co-main is Beneil Dariush vs. Quillan Salkilld.
• Late replacements add unpredictability, but both fighters have finishing ability.