Marwan Rahiki knocks out Ollie Schmid in first round at UFC Perth

Key facts

• Marwan Rahiki defeated Ollie Schmid by knockout at 2:30 of the first round at UFC Perth on May 2, 2026.
• Rahiki, 23, improved to 9-0 as a professional, with all wins by stoppage (7 KOs).
• Schmid accepted the fight on four days' notice after Jack Jenkins withdrew due to injury.
• Schmid entered on a three-fight winning streak, including a 15-second spinning back fist KO in March 2026.
• The bout took place at RAC Arena in Perth, Australia, on the main card of UFC Fight Night.
• Rahiki made his UFC debut in March 2026, winning by second-round TKO over Harry Hardwick.

A devastating debut performance in Perth

Marwan Rahiki delivered a brutal first-round knockout of short-notice opponent Ollie Schmid at UFC Perth on Saturday, May 2, 2026, inside RAC Arena. The finish came at 2:30 of the opening frame, as Rahiki landed a perfectly placed left hook at the end of a blitz that sent Schmid crashing to the canvas. A few follow-up shots prompted the referee to step in and halt the contest. Rahiki, fighting out of South Korea, entered the cage with a 100% finish rate and a growing reputation as a featherweight prospect. The 23-year-old remained composed in the first round, waiting for the right moment to strike. His victory extended his professional record to 9-0, with all wins coming by stoppage, including seven knockouts.

A late change of opponent shakes up the card

The bout was originally scheduled to feature Rahiki against Jack Jenkins, but Jenkins was forced to withdraw three days before the event due to an undisclosed injury. The UFC announced on Wednesday that Ollie Schmid had agreed to step in on less than a week's notice. Schmid, a New Zealander with a 4-2 professional record, was making his UFC debut. Schmid came into the fight on a three-fight winning streak, most recently a 15-second spinning back fist knockout of Jeffrey Mesa in March 2026. Despite the late notice, he accepted the opportunity to face Rahiki in a 145-pound clash. The short preparation time proved a significant disadvantage against a fighter of Rahiki's caliber.

Rahiki's rapid rise through the featherweight ranks

Rahiki turned professional in 2024 and has since compiled a flawless record. His previous wins include a second-round stoppage of Ananias Mulumba on Dana White's Contender Series and a second-round TKO of Harry Hardwick in his UFC debut in March 2026. That debut performance broke his opponent's jaw, adding to his growing reputation as a dangerous finisher. The featherweight prospect has now won all nine of his fights by stoppage, with seven knockouts. His combination of youth, power, and composure under pressure has drawn attention from fans and analysts alike. Saturday's performance reinforced his status as one to watch in the 145-pound division.

UFC Perth delivers a night of high-stakes action

UFC Perth took place at RAC Arena and featured a main event between former welterweight champion Jack Della Maddalena and Carlos Prates, with Beneil Dariush vs. Quillan Salkilld serving as the co-headliner. Rahiki's fight was part of the main card, broadcast live on Paramount+. The event marked Rahiki's second appearance in the octagon and his first fight outside of his home region. The win in Perth positions him for a potential step up in competition as the UFC looks to build its featherweight roster. His performance also highlighted the risks and rewards of late-notice replacements in MMA.

What lies ahead for Rahiki and Schmid

With the victory, Rahiki is likely to face a ranked opponent in his next outing, as the UFC often rewards impressive finishes with tougher matchups. His 100% finish rate and young age make him an attractive prospect for future main card slots. For Schmid, the loss is a setback, but his willingness to step in on short notice may earn him another opportunity in the promotion. The featherweight division remains one of the most competitive in the UFC, with champions and contenders constantly jostling for position. Rahiki's trajectory suggests he could enter the rankings sooner rather than later, provided he continues to deliver performances like the one in Perth.

A statement win that demands attention

Marwan Rahiki's first-round knockout of Ollie Schmid was more than just a victory; it was a statement. In a sport where hype often outpaces reality, Rahiki has backed up his reputation with back-to-back finishes in the UFC. His ability to remain calm under pressure and seize the moment against a game opponent on short notice speaks to his maturity and skill. As the UFC looks to the future, fighters like Rahiki represent the next wave of talent. His performance in Perth will be remembered as the night a rising star announced his arrival on the global stage. The featherweight division has a new name to watch, and his journey is only beginning.

The bottom line

• Marwan Rahiki remains undefeated at 9-0 with all wins by stoppage, including 7 knockouts.
• Rahiki's first-round KO of Ollie Schmid at UFC Perth showcased his composure and finishing power.
• Schmid took the fight on four days' notice after Jack Jenkins withdrew due to injury.
• Rahiki's UFC debut in March 2026 also ended in a second-round TKO, breaking his opponent's jaw.
• The featherweight prospect is poised for a step up in competition following his impressive win.
• UFC Perth featured a main event between Jack Della Maddalena and Carlos Prates.