Della Maddalena Suffers Third-Round TKO Loss to Prates in UFC Perth Return

Key facts

• Carlos Prates defeated Jack Della Maddalena via third-round TKO at 3:17.
• Della Maddalena was fighting for the first time since losing his title to Islam Makhachev in November 2025.
• Prates has won his past three fights by knockout.
• Quillan Salkilld defeated Beneil Dariush via first-round TKO at 3:29.
• Tai Tuivasa lost to Louie Sutherland via unanimous decision (30-26 x3), extending his losing streak to seven.
• Steve Erceg defeated Tim Elliott via unanimous decision (29-28 x3).
• Junior Tafa knocked out Kevin Christian in the first round at 2:42.

A Pivotal Welterweight Clash Ends in Stoppage

Jack Della Maddalena’s return to the Octagon after a five-month absence ended in disappointment as Carlos Prates stopped him via third-round TKO at 3:17. The bout, held at RAC Arena in Perth, Australia, on Saturday morning, was the main event of UFC Perth and carried significant implications for the welterweight division. Della Maddalena, a former UFC welterweight champion, was competing for the first time since losing his title to Islam Makhachev this past November. Prates, a Brazilian contender, entered the fight on a two-fight knockout streak and extended that run to three with the victory.

Prates’ Power Proves Decisive

From the opening bell, Prates applied pressure, landing heavy strikes that gradually wore down Della Maddalena. The Australian champion struggled to find his rhythm, and by the third round, Prates’ onslaught became overwhelming. Referee Herb Dean stepped in at 3:17, awarding Prates the TKO victory. The win cements Prates as a rising force in the welterweight division, while Della Maddalena faces an uncertain path back to title contention. The defeat marks his first loss since the Makhachev fight and raises questions about his ability to rebound.

Co-Main Event and Key Undercard Results

In the co-main event, Quillan Salkilld delivered a stunning first-round TKO of Beneil Dariush at 3:29, a result that reshapes the lightweight division. Dariush, a veteran contender, was unable to withstand Salkilld’s early aggression. Other notable results included Steve Erceg’s unanimous decision victory over Tim Elliott (29-28 x3), Marwan Rahiki’s first-round TKO of Ollie Schmid at 2:47, and Brando Pericic’s second-round KO of Shamil Gaziev at 3:44. Louie Sutherland defeated Tai Tuivasa via unanimous decision (30-26 x3), handing Tuivasa his seventh consecutive loss. Junior Tafa knocked out Kevin Christian in the first round at 2:42, and Jacob Malkoun earned a unanimous decision over Gerald Meerschaert (29-28 x3).

Tuivasa’s Losing Streak Deepens Despite Home Crowd

Tai Tuivasa, a fan favorite fighting in his home country, entered the bout against Louie Sutherland on a six-fight losing streak. Sutherland, winless in the UFC at 0-2 and stepping in on short notice, was seen by many as a favorable matchup for Tuivasa. However, Sutherland dominated the fight, winning all three rounds via unanimous decision (30-26 x3). Tuivasa’s losing streak now stands at seven, and his future in the promotion is uncertain. The loss came despite the support of the Perth crowd and a year-long layoff that Tuivasa said made him miss fighting.

Betting Favorite Falls Short

Leading up to the event, Tuivasa was a -210 moneyline favorite, with analysts citing his power and the home crowd advantage as key factors. Sutherland, who had been stopped in the first round in both of his previous UFC appearances, was considered a significant underdog. The result underscores the volatility of MMA betting, where short-notice replacements can defy expectations.

Implications for the Welterweight and Lightweight Divisions

Prates’ victory over Della Maddalena positions him for a potential title eliminator bout, while Della Maddalena must regroup after back-to-back losses. In the lightweight division, Salkilld’s win over Dariush catapults him into contention, while Dariush faces a setback in his quest for another title shot. The event also highlighted the depth of talent in the UFC’s Australian contingent, with several local fighters securing wins. However, Tuivasa’s continued struggles raise concerns about his longevity in the sport.

What Comes Next for the Fighters

For Prates, the next step likely involves a matchup with a top-five welterweight contender, potentially setting up a title shot later this year. Della Maddalena may need to take a step back in competition to rebuild confidence. Salkilld’s rapid rise suggests he could face a ranked opponent in his next outing. Tuivasa’s future is less clear. With seven straight losses, the promotion may consider releasing him, though his popularity could earn him one more chance. The UFC has not announced any immediate plans for the fighters involved.

The bottom line

• Carlos Prates defeated Jack Della Maddalena via third-round TKO, extending his knockout streak to three.
• Quillan Salkilld knocked out Beneil Dariush in the first round, shaking up the lightweight division.
• Tai Tuivasa lost his seventh consecutive fight, falling to Louie Sutherland by unanimous decision.
• Steve Erceg, Marwan Rahiki, Brando Pericic, Junior Tafa, and Jacob Malkoun all secured wins at UFC Perth.
• The event took place at RAC Arena in Perth, Australia, on Saturday, May 2, 2026.