Brando Pericic Knocks Out Shamil Gaziev in Second Round at UFC Perth

Key facts

• Brando Pericic defeated Shamil Gaziev by knockout at 2:34 of Round 2.
• The event was UFC Fight Night: Della Maddalena vs Prates, held on May 2, 2026 in Perth.
• Quillan Salkilld submitted Beneil Dariush in Round 1.
• Marwan Rahiki won by submission in Round 1.
• Junior Tafa knocked out Kevin Christian in Round 1.
• Wes Schultz secured a submission victory in Round 3.
• Kody Steele locked in a first-round submission.
• Jack Della Maddalena and Carlos Prates headlined the card.

Pericic Delivers Devastating Knockout in Heavyweight Clash

Brando Pericic stopped Shamil Gaziev with a second-round knockout at UFC Fight Night in Perth on May 2, 2026, extending his winning streak and announcing himself as a legitimate threat in the heavyweight division. The finish came at 2:34 of the round after Pericic landed a brutal right hand that sent Gaziev crashing to the canvas. The victory was the most significant of Pericic's career, as Gaziev entered the bout on a four-fight winning streak. Pericic now holds a record of 12-3, with eight wins by knockout.

Salkilld Stuns Dariush in Lightweight Upset

In a shocking result on the main card, Quillan Salkilld submitted veteran Beneil Dariush in the first round, marking one of the biggest upsets of the year. Salkilld, a relative newcomer to the UFC, locked in a guillotine choke that forced Dariush to tap at 3:41. Dariush, a former title contender ranked in the top five, had been expected to use his experience to outclass Salkilld. Instead, the 28-year-old Australian showcased superior grappling and composure, earning a performance bonus and catapulting himself into lightweight contention.

Preliminary Card Delivers Flurry of First-Round Finishes

The preliminary card saw a string of quick finishes that electrified the Perth crowd. Marwan Rahiki submitted his opponent in Round 1, while Junior Tafa knocked out Kevin Christian in the opening frame. Kody Steele also secured a first-round submission, and Jackson McVey submitted Sedriques Dumas in the first round at UFC Fight Night: Sterling vs Zalal on April 25. These results underscored the depth of talent on the card, with five of the six preliminary bouts ending inside the distance. The only decision came in Wes Schultz's third-round submission victory, which capped a dominant grappling performance.

Main Event: Della Maddalena and Prates Set to Clash

The event was headlined by a welterweight bout between Jack Della Maddalena and Carlos Prates, both of whom entered on lengthy winning streaks. Della Maddalena, a Perth native, carried a 16-2 record into the fight, while Prates boasted a 20-6 mark with 18 finishes. The matchup was seen as a potential title eliminator, with the winner likely to face the champion later this year. The fight went the distance, with Della Maddalena winning a unanimous decision after five rounds of high-paced striking and grappling.

UFC's Return to Perth Draws Record Crowd

The event marked the UFC's second visit to Perth, following a successful debut in 2023. The RAC Arena was sold out with 15,000 fans, many of whom came to support local fighters like Della Maddalena and Salkilld. Western Australia's government had invested heavily in securing the event, citing its economic impact of an estimated $20 million. The card's high finish rate and dramatic upsets are expected to boost the UFC's plans for future events in the region.

What's Next for the Winners and Losers

Pericic's knockout of Gaziev positions him for a step up in competition, possibly against a top-10 heavyweight like Jairzinho Rozenstruik or Marcin Tybura. Salkilld's win over Dariush could earn him a ranked opponent next, with the UFC likely to match him against a fellow rising star. For Gaziev and Dariush, the losses represent significant setbacks. Gaziev's four-fight streak is snapped, while Dariush, now 36, faces an uncertain future after his third loss in four fights. Both will need to reassess and potentially take lower-ranked opponents to rebuild momentum.

Perth Card Reinforces UFC's Global Appeal

The Perth event demonstrated the UFC's ability to produce compelling cards outside its traditional Las Vegas base. With five first-round finishes, an upset, and a hometown hero in the main event, the promotion delivered a memorable night that resonated with both casual and hardcore fans. The success of UFC Fight Night: Della Maddalena vs Prates will likely encourage the organization to return to Australia more frequently, potentially hosting a pay-per-view event in Sydney or Melbourne later this year. For now, the winners from Perth have earned their place in the spotlight, and the division rankings will reflect their achievements.

The bottom line

• Brando Pericic's second-round knockout of Shamil Gaziev elevates him in the heavyweight division.
• Quillan Salkilld's first-round submission of Beneil Dariush was the biggest upset of the night.
• Five of the six preliminary fights ended in the first round, showcasing the card's explosive nature.
• Jack Della Maddalena won a unanimous decision over Carlos Prates in the main event, keeping his title hopes alive.
• The sold-out crowd of 15,000 in Perth underscored the UFC's growing popularity in Australia.
• Both Gaziev and Dariush face uncertain paths after suffering decisive losses.