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

Key facts

• Brando Pericic defeated Shamil Gaziev via knockout in round two at UFC Fight Night: Della Maddalena vs Prates on May 2, 2026, in Perth.
• Carlos Prates finished Jack Della Maddalena in round three of the main event.
• Quillan Salkilld stopped Beneil Dariush in round one.
• Marwan Rahiki won his bout 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 took place on May 2, 2026, at UFC Perth.

Pericic Delivers Knockout in Heavyweight Clash

Brando Pericic knocked out Shamil Gaziev in the second round of their heavyweight bout at UFC Fight Night: Della Maddalena vs Prates in Perth on May 2, 2026. The finish capped a night of decisive stoppages across the card. Pericic, a heavyweight contender, improved his record with the victory, while Gaziev suffered a setback in his UFC campaign. The fight was part of a stacked event that showcased both rising stars and established names.

Prates Stops Della Maddalena in Main Event

In the main event, Carlos Prates finished Jack Della Maddalena in the third round, handing the Australian a defeat on home soil. Prates, who had been building momentum with a series of wins, dominated the fight before securing the stoppage. Della Maddalena, a fan favorite in Perth, was unable to withstand Prates' pressure. The loss marks a significant hurdle in his climb up the welterweight rankings.

Salkilld Shocks Dariush with First-Round Stoppage

Quillan Salkilld stopped Beneil Dariush in the first round, a result that sent ripples through the lightweight division. Dariush, a veteran contender, was caught early and could not recover. Salkilld's victory positions him as a potential threat in the lightweight top 15, while Dariush faces questions about his future trajectory.

Other Quick Finishes Highlight Depth of Card

Marwan Rahiki and Junior Tafa each won their fights in the first round, with Tafa knocking out Kevin Christian. Kody Steele also secured a first-round submission, demonstrating the event's propensity for early finishes. Wes Schultz earned a submission victory in the third round, adding to the night's tally of stoppages. The card featured multiple finishes, underscoring the competitiveness of the UFC's roster.

Perth Event Continues UFC's Global Expansion

UFC Fight Night: Della Maddalena vs Prates was held in Perth, Australia, as part of the promotion's ongoing efforts to host events worldwide. The May 2, 2026 date marked another international showcase for the organization. Local fighters like Jack Della Maddalena drew strong crowd support, though the evening's results favored international competitors. The event's success reinforces the UFC's strategy of expanding its footprint beyond North America.

Implications for Divisional Rankings

The outcomes in Perth are likely to shuffle rankings across multiple weight classes. Pericic's knockout of Gaziev could elevate him in the heavyweight division, while Prates' win over Della Maddalena boosts his standing at welterweight. Salkilld's rapid victory over Dariush may vault him into contention for a ranked opponent next. The event's results will shape matchmaking in the coming months.

The bottom line

• Brando Pericic knocked out Shamil Gaziev in round two at UFC Perth on May 2, 2026.
• Carlos Prates finished Jack Della Maddalena in round three of the main event.
• Quillan Salkilld stopped Beneil Dariush in round one, a major upset.
• Multiple fighters secured first-round finishes, including Marwan Rahiki, Junior Tafa, and Kody Steele.
• The event highlighted the UFC's global reach with a card in Perth, Australia.