Marwan Rahiki Gets New Opponent for UFC Perth After Jack Jenkins Withdraws

Key facts

• Jack Jenkins withdrew from his featherweight bout with Marwan Rahiki due to an undisclosed injury.
• Ollie Schmid stepped in on less than a week's notice to face Rahiki at UFC Perth.
• Rahiki is 9-0 since turning pro in 2024, with all wins by stoppage including seven knockouts.
• Schmid is 4-2 in MMA and debuts in the UFC on a three-fight winning streak.
• Schmid's last win was a 15-second spinning back fist knockout over Jeffrey Mesa in March 2025.
• UFC Perth takes place at the RAC Arena in Australia.
• The main event is Jack Della Maddalena vs. Carlos Prates; co-headliner is Beneil Dariush vs. Quillan Salkilld.

Late Change Rocks UFC Perth Card

Just three days before UFC Perth, the featherweight division saw a sudden shift. Jack Jenkins, originally scheduled to face Marwan Rahiki, withdrew due to an undisclosed injury. The UFC announced Wednesday that Ollie Schmid has agreed to step in on short notice, setting up a 145-pound clash at the RAC Arena. This marks the second walk to the octagon for Rahiki, who is looking to extend his perfect professional record. The event, headlined by former welterweight champion Jack Della Maddalena against Carlos Prates, now features a new matchup that has generated buzz among fight fans.

Rahiki's Unblemished Record on the Line

Marwan Rahiki turned professional in 2024 and has compiled a 9-0 record, winning every fight by stoppage. Seven of those victories came via knockout, including second-round finishes over Ananias Mulumba and Harry Hardwick. His performance on Dana White's Contender Series and in the UFC has established him as a rising prospect in the featherweight division. Known by the nickname "Freaky," Rahiki brings a combination of power and aggression that has overwhelmed his opponents so far. His last outing ended in a second-round stoppage, and he will aim to maintain that momentum against a fresh opponent.

Schmid's Last-Minute Opportunity

Ollie Schmid, a New Zealand native, enters the UFC with a professional record of 4-2. He has won his last three fights, with his most recent victory coming in March 2025 — a 15-second spinning back fist knockout over Jeffrey Mesa. That performance caught the attention of matchmakers, leading to the short-notice call-up. Schmid will make his promotional debut in hostile territory, but his finishing ability and recent form suggest he is not simply a replacement fighter. The 15-second knockout is among the fastest in regional MMA history and underscores his potential to make an immediate impact.

Fight Night Details and Main Card

UFC Perth is scheduled to take place at the RAC Arena, with the main event featuring Jack Della Maddalena against Carlos Prates in a welterweight bout. The co-headliner is a lightweight contest between Beneil Dariush and Quillan Salkilld. The Rahiki-Schmid fight adds depth to a card that has already seen several changes. Bonuses were awarded after the event, with Carlos Prates taking home an extra $100,000 for his performance. Highlight videos from the night include Marwan Rahiki's victory over Oliver Schmid and Junior Tafa's demolition of Kevin Christian with elbows.

Implications for the Featherweight Division

For Rahiki, a win over Schmid would improve his record to 10-0 and likely earn him a ranked opponent in his next outing. The featherweight division is deep with talent, and a dominant performance could accelerate his climb toward title contention. Schmid, meanwhile, has everything to gain. A victory on short notice against an undefeated prospect would instantly put him on the map and secure his spot on the roster. The stakes are high for both fighters, making this late addition a compelling subplot to the main event.

The bottom line

• Marwan Rahiki faces Ollie Schmid at UFC Perth after Jack Jenkins withdrew due to injury.
• Rahiki is undefeated at 9-0 with all wins by stoppage, including seven knockouts.
• Schmid debuts in the UFC on a three-fight winning streak, highlighted by a 15-second knockout.
• UFC Perth takes place at the RAC Arena with Jack Della Maddalena vs. Carlos Prates as the main event.
• The late change adds intrigue to a card that also features Beneil Dariush vs. Quillan Salkilld.