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

Key facts

• Brando Pericic defeated Shamil Gaziev by knockout in round two at UFC Fight Night in Perth on May 2, 2026.
• Quillan Salkilld stopped Beneil Dariush in round one on the same card.
• Marwan Rahiki won by stoppage in round one.
• Junior Tafa knocked out Kevin Christian in round one.
• Wes Schultz secured a submission victory in round three.
• Kody Steele locked in a first-round submission.
• The event was UFC Fight Night: Della Maddalena vs Prates.

Pericic Delivers in Perth

Brando Pericic knocked out Shamil Gaziev in the second round of their heavyweight bout at UFC Fight Night in Perth on May 2, 2026. The finish came on the undercard of a main event between Jack Della Maddalena and Carlos Prates. Pericic, a Serbian heavyweight, improved his record with the emphatic victory. Gaziev was unable to recover from the strikes, prompting the referee to wave off the contest.

A Night of Quick Finishes

The Perth event featured several early stoppages. Quillan Salkilld stopped Beneil Dariush in the first round, while Marwan Rahiki also got the job done in round one. Junior Tafa knocked out Kevin Christian in the opening frame, and Kody Steele locked in a first-round submission. Wes Schultz secured a submission victory in the third round, adding to the night's tally of finishes. The card was packed with decisive results, reflecting the depth of talent on display.

Main Event and Co-Main Highlights

The main event saw Jack Della Maddalena face Carlos Prates in a welterweight clash. Both fighters entered with impressive records, and the bout was highly anticipated. The co-main event featured Quillan Salkilld's quick win over Beneil Dariush, a significant result in the lightweight division. Della Maddalena and Prates had been promoted heavily in the lead-up, with career highlight reels released in late April. Their fight headlined a card that also included several rising prospects.

Other Results from the Card

Earlier on the card, Jackson McVey submitted Sedriques Dumas in the first round at UFC Fight Night: Sterling vs Zalal on April 25, 2026. Ryan Spann knocked out Marcus Buchecha in round two of the same event. At UFC Winnipeg on April 18, Mike Malott got a main event finish against Gilbert Burns, and Jai Herbert stopped Mandel Nallo in round one. These events built momentum heading into the Perth card.

Implications for the Heavyweight Division

Pericic's win over Gaziev could propel him into the rankings, as he defeated a fellow contender. Gaziev, who entered the fight with momentum, now faces a setback. The heavyweight division remains wide open, with several fighters vying for position. The victory also raises Pericic's profile internationally, particularly in Serbia where MMA interest is growing. His performance in Perth demonstrated power and finishing ability.

What Comes Next

The UFC has not announced Pericic's next opponent, but a ranked fight is likely. Other winners from the card, such as Salkilld and Tafa, will also seek higher-profile matchups. The promotion continues to build events globally, with Perth proving a successful venue. Fighters who lost, like Gaziev and Dariush, will need to regroup. The division's landscape shifts with each event, and the Perth card provided several memorable moments.

A Night of Decisive Action

UFC Fight Night in Perth delivered on its promise of action, with most bouts ending inside the distance. The crowd witnessed a series of finishes that underscored the sport's unpredictability. Pericic's knockout stood out as a statement performance. As the UFC expands its footprint, events like this one showcase emerging talent. The card's results will influence matchmaking in the coming months, setting the stage for future title implications.

The bottom line

• Brando Pericic knocked out Shamil Gaziev in round two at UFC Perth on May 2, 2026.
• The event featured multiple first-round finishes, including Quillan Salkilld over Beneil Dariush.
• Junior Tafa, Kody Steele, and Marwan Rahiki also won by stoppage on the same card.
• The main event was a welterweight bout between Jack Della Maddalena and Carlos Prates.
• Pericic's win boosts his standing in the heavyweight division and raises his profile in Serbia.
• The UFC continues to hold events globally, with Perth hosting a night of decisive finishes.