UFC Perth Delivers: Della Maddalena and Prates Battle for Title Positioning

May 2, 2026 - 09:54

The UFC touched down in Perth, Australia, and the main event between Jack Della Maddalena and Carlos Prates carried serious weight for the welterweight division. Both men entered the cage knowing a win could put them on the short list for a title shot, and they delivered a fight that lived up to the stakes.

Della Maddalena, fighting in front of a hometown crowd, came out sharp and aggressive. He controlled the center of the octagon early, landing crisp combinations and checking Prates' leg kicks. Prates, known for his durability and counter-striking, absorbed the pressure and looked for openings. The first round was a chess match, with Della Maddalena edging ahead on volume.

In the second round, the tide shifted. Prates found his range and started landing heavy hooks to the body, slowing Della Maddalena's pace. A sharp left hand from Prates staggered the Australian, and he followed up with a flurry that forced Della Maddalena to clinch. The crowd roared as their man weathered the storm, but Prates had clearly seized momentum.

The third round was a war of attrition. Both fighters dug deep, trading shots in the pocket. Della Maddalena's face showed the damage from Prates' power punches, but he kept pressing forward. A late takedown attempt from Della Maddalena was stuffed by Prates, who landed a brutal knee as the round ended. The judges had a tough call, and the split decision in favor of Della Maddalena sent the Perth crowd into a frenzy.

After the fight, Della Maddalena called for a top-five opponent, stating he was ready for anyone in the division. Prates, despite the loss, earned respect for his performance and remains a dangerous gatekeeper. The welterweight picture just got more interesting, and both fighters proved they belong in the conversation.