Pericic Knocks Out Gaziev in Second Round at UFC Perth; Prates Stops Della Maddalena

Key facts

• Brando Pericic knocked out Shamil Gaziev in round two at UFC Fight Night on May 2, 2026, in Perth.
• Carlos Prates finished Jack Della Maddalena in round three in the main event.
• Quillan Salkilld stopped Beneil Dariush in round one.
• Junior Tafa knocked out Kevin Christian in round one.
• Kody Steele secured a first-round submission victory.
• Wes Schultz earned a submission win in round three.
• Marwan Rahiki won his fight in round one.
• The event took place on May 2, 2026, at UFC Fight Night: Della Maddalena vs Prates in Perth.

Pericic's Heavyweight Statement

Brando Pericic delivered a emphatic second-round knockout of Shamil Gaziev at UFC Fight Night in Perth on May 2, 2026, announcing his arrival in the heavyweight division. The victory came after a measured first round, with Pericic finding his range before landing the decisive blows in the second. Gaziev, who entered the bout with a reputation for durability, was unable to withstand Pericic's power. The finish marked Pericic's most significant win to date and positions him as a contender in a division that is always seeking new challengers. The Perth crowd witnessed a series of explosive finishes throughout the card, with Pericic's performance standing out among several quick stoppages.

Prates Triumphs Over Hometown Hero

In the main event, Carlos Prates halted Jack Della Maddalena's momentum with a third-round finish, spoiling the Australian's homecoming. Prates weathered early pressure from Della Maddalena before finding his rhythm and securing the stoppage. Della Maddalena, fighting in front of a partisan Perth audience, started strongly but could not maintain his pace. Prates capitalized on a momentary lapse, landing a combination that forced the referee to intervene. The result reshapes the welterweight landscape, with Prates now likely to call for a ranked opponent. Della Maddalena will need to regroup after his first loss in front of his home fans.

Salkilld Shocks Dariush in First Round

Quillan Salkilld produced the upset of the night by stopping Beneil Dariush in just one round. The lightweight contender, known for his durability, was caught early and could not recover. Salkilld's victory sends a message to the division and likely vaults him into the rankings. Dariush, a perennial contender, faces an uncertain path forward after this setback. The finish was one of several quick outcomes on a card that rewarded aggression and precision.

Tafa, Steele, and Others Shine with Early Finishes

Junior Tafa continued his family's fighting legacy by knocking out Kevin Christian in the first round. The heavyweight bout lasted less than five minutes, with Tafa's power proving too much for Christian. Kody Steele locked in a first-round submission, demonstrating his grappling prowess. Wes Schultz also secured a submission victory, though he needed three rounds to finish his opponent. Marwan Rahiki completed the first-round sweep with a stoppage of his own, capping a night where fighters consistently found early finishes.

A Night of Finishes in Perth

UFC Fight Night: Della Maddalena vs Prates, held on May 2, 2026, in Perth, Australia, featured a card heavy on finishes. Of the nine bouts, eight ended before the final bell, with only Schultz's third-round submission extending beyond the second round. The event drew a strong crowd to the RAC Arena, with fans treated to a mix of knockouts and submissions. The quick pace kept the audience engaged throughout the evening. Perth has become a regular stop for the UFC, and this card reinforced the city's reputation for hosting action-packed events.

Implications for the Divisions

The results from Perth will have ripple effects across multiple weight classes. Pericic's knockout of Gaziev could earn him a top-15 opponent in the heavyweight division, while Prates' win over Della Maddalena positions him for a potential top-10 matchup. Salkilld's victory over Dariush shakes up the lightweight rankings, and Tafa's quick win keeps him in the heavyweight mix. Steele and Schultz added their names to the list of rising prospects in their respective divisions. The UFC now looks ahead to future events, with several fighters from this card likely to return soon. The promotion's depth was on full display in Perth.

What Comes Next for the Winners and Losers

For Pericic, the path forward likely involves a step up in competition. A matchup with a ranked heavyweight could be next, potentially as early as the summer. Prates will await word on his next opponent, with the welterweight division offering several intriguing possibilities. Della Maddalena will need to reassess after his first UFC loss, but his talent suggests he can bounce back. Dariush faces a longer road to recovery, both physically and in terms of ranking. Salkilld, meanwhile, can expect a significant jump in opposition for his next fight. The UFC's matchmakers have plenty of material to work with after a memorable night in Perth.

The bottom line

• Brando Pericic knocked out Shamil Gaziev in round two, making a statement in the heavyweight division.
• Carlos Prates finished Jack Della Maddalena in round three, spoiling the Australian's homecoming.
• Quillan Salkilld stopped Beneil Dariush in the first round, a major upset at lightweight.
• Junior Tafa, Kody Steele, Wes Schultz, and Marwan Rahiki all earned early finishes on the card.
• The event featured eight finishes in nine bouts, highlighting the card's explosive nature.
• Pericic, Prates, and Salkilld are now poised for significant ranking jumps in their respective divisions.