Carlos Prates demolishes Jack Della Maddalena in Perth, staking claim for UFC title shot

Key facts

• Carlos Prates defeated Jack Della Maddalena by third-round TKO at UFC Perth on Saturday.
• The event took place at RAC Arena in Perth, Australia, before a sold-out crowd.
• Prates (24-7) has now won three straight fights, all by stoppage, after a decision loss to Ian Machado Garry in April 2025.
• Della Maddalena (18-4) lost his welterweight title to Islam Makhachev in November, ending a 118-day reign.
• Prates previously knocked out former champion Leon Edwards at UFC 322 in November 2025.
• Quillan Salkilld improved to 5-0 in the UFC by finishing Beneil Dariush via punches.
• Steve Erceg won a unanimous decision over Tim Elliott, his second consecutive victory.
• The UFC's Australian events have generated over $12 million in direct economic impact for host cities.

A statement win in the main event

Carlos Prates delivered a career-defining performance on Saturday night, dismantling former UFC welterweight champion Jack Della Maddalena in the main event of UFC Perth at RAC Arena. The Brazilian, known as 'The Nightmare,' brutalized the hometown favorite over three rounds before securing a TKO stoppage that sent a shockwave through the 170-pound division. Prates, now 24-7 as a professional, has won three consecutive fights since a decision loss to Ian Machado Garry in April 2025 — all by stoppage. His previous outing saw him knock out another former champion, Leon Edwards, at UFC 322 in November. The victory over Della Maddalena, who had held the title just months earlier, cements Prates as a legitimate threat to the division's elite.

Della Maddalena's homecoming turns sour

For Jack Della Maddalena, the return to his hometown of Perth was supposed to be a redemption arc. The 29-year-old had lost his welterweight title to Islam Makhachev in November, ending a brief 118-day reign that began with his victory over Belal Muhammad. Fighting in front of a partisan crowd at RAC Arena, he aimed to prove he still belonged among the division's best. Instead, Prates seized control early, using a significant reach advantage to keep the Australian at distance with kicks and precise strikes. Della Maddalena's pressure-based style, built on relentless body-head combinations, was neutralized by Prates' diverse Muay Thai arsenal. The defeat drops Della Maddalena to 18-4 and raises questions about his path back to title contention.

Title shot remains elusive for Prates

Despite his emphatic win, Prates may not leapfrog Michael Morales in the queue for a shot at champion Islam Makhachev, largely due to his prior loss to Ian Machado Garry — who is rumored to be the next challenger. Prates reiterated after the fight that he wants a title shot and believes he deserves it, but matchmakers appear inclined to have him face another top contender first. A logical next opponent is the winner of the upcoming Joaquin Buckley vs. Sean Brady fight, scheduled for next week. Both are respected veterans, and a victory over either would strengthen Prates' resume. At 32, the Brazilian has time to build his case, but his performance in Perth suggests he may not need many more wins to force the issue.

Salkilld and Erceg shine on undercard

The Perth card also featured standout performances from local fighters. Quillan Salkilld, 26, went from prospect to contender by finishing Beneil Dariush with a barrage of punches, improving his UFC record to 5-0. Salkilld called out Mateusz Gamrot after the fight, a challenge that would pit him against a 35-year-old veteran who recently submitted Esteban Ribovics. Steve Erceg, meanwhile, stayed disciplined on the feet to earn a unanimous decision over Tim Elliott. 'Astro Boy' has now won two straight after a three-fight skid, positioning himself as a contender in the flyweight division. A potential matchup against England's Lone'er Kavanagh, who upset Brandon Moreno in his last outing, could determine where both men stand.

Economic impact and UFC's Australian expansion

The return of the UFC to Perth is not merely a sporting event but a significant economic driver. Previous events in Australia have generated over $12 million in direct economic impact for host cities, fueled by fight tourism from across the Asia-Pacific region. The 'Maddalena Effect' boosted local hospitality, with hotels and businesses reporting record bookings for the weekend. The event also underscores the UFC's growing global footprint. In the EMEA region, broadcast rights generate approximately $20 million annually, reflecting the sport's expansion beyond its American base. For Australia, the success of fighters like Della Maddalena provides a blueprint for how regional stars can become global brands, even as the continent awaits its own dedicated UFC Africa event.

Other winners and potential matchups

Several other fighters on the main card positioned themselves for bigger opportunities. Marwan Rahiki, undefeated at 9-0, made quick work of Oliver Schmid and could face veteran Darren Elkins next. Brando Pericic, now 3-0 in the UFC, floored Shamil Gaziev and may be matched with Rizvan Kuniev, who holds a decision win over Jailton Almeida. These matchups reflect the depth of talent on display in Perth. For Prates, the path forward is clear: one more major win could secure a title eliminator or even a direct shot at Makhachev, depending on timing. His performance has left little doubt that 'The Nightmare' is a force to be reckoned with.

The bottom line

• Carlos Prates defeated Jack Della Maddalena by third-round TKO, his third straight stoppage win.
• Prates is unlikely to get an immediate title shot due to his prior loss to Ian Machado Garry.
• Della Maddalena's second consecutive loss raises doubts about his place among welterweight contenders.
• Quillan Salkilld and Steve Erceg emerged as rising stars from the Perth card.
• UFC events in Australia generate over $12 million in local economic impact.
• The welterweight division remains in flux, with Makhachev likely facing Garry next.