On May 2, 2026, Jack Della Maddalena will face rising contender Carlos Prates in a high-stakes welterweight bout at the RAC Arena in Perth, Australia. This matchup is crucial for Della Maddalena as he aims to reclaim his top ranking after losing the welterweight title to Islam Makhachev.
Della Maddalena enters the octagon with a professional MMA record of 18 wins and 3 losses, including an impressive 8-1 record in the UFC. His opponent, Carlos Prates, boasts a record of 23 wins and 7 losses with a notable 6-1 UFC tally. Both fighters have demonstrated their striking capabilities, with Prates achieving knockout victories in nearly all of his bouts except one.
The event will kick off at 4 a.m. ET for the prelims, followed by the main card starting at 7 a.m. ET. As anticipation builds for this significant fight night, fans will also witness other notable matchups including Steve Erceg’s unanimous decision victory over Tim Elliott and Marwan Rahiki’s TKO win against Ollie Schmid.
Key fight statistics:
- Della Maddalena: Record of 18-3 MMA and 8-1 UFC
- Prates: Record of 23-7 MMA and 6-1 UFC
- Erceg vs. Elliott: Score of 29-28 across all judges
- Rahiki’s TKO victory time: 2:47 in Round 1
- Pericic’s knockout victory time: 3:44 in Round 2
The stakes are particularly high for Della Maddalena as he seeks to prove his mettle against a formidable opponent like Prates. The outcome of this bout could significantly impact both fighters’ careers; a victory for Della Maddalena may set him back on the path to title contention while Prates could solidify his position as a top contender in the welterweight division.
As fight night approaches, the atmosphere at RAC Arena is expected to be electric, with fans eager to witness not just the main event but also several other exciting matchups on the card. With both fighters known for their striking prowess and knockout capabilities, this bout promises to deliver action-packed moments that could redefine their careers in the UFC landscape.