BREAKING NEWS: The UFC has just confirmed its highly anticipated return to Perth, featuring local favorite and former UFC welterweight champion Jack Della Maddalena facing off against Brazil’s Carlos Prates at RAC Arena on May 2, 2026. This event marks a significant shift as it will be broadcast in prime time for Australian audiences, a first for UFC Fight Night.
The prelims will kick off at 4:00 PM AWST (4:00 AM ET), with the main card starting at 7:00 PM AWST (7:00 AM ET). This change from the usual Sunday morning slot signifies the UFC’s commitment to enhancing viewer experience in Australia.
Della Maddalena, eager to bounce back after losing his welterweight title to Islam Makhachev last November at UFC 322, is determined to reclaim his place in the Octagon. Meanwhile, Prates comes into this fight with an impressive record of 6-1 in UFC events since winning at Dana White’s Contender Series in 2023 and holds the No. 5 rank in the welterweight division. A victory could secure him a title shot.
The excitement surrounding this event is palpable. Peter Kloczko, senior vice president of UFC Australia and New Zealand, emphasized the expected high demand for tickets due to the local prime time schedule. “Perth, we are taking it to the next level with UFC Fight Night Perth in 2026,” Kloczko stated. “This event will mark another step forward for UFC in Australia, continuing to build broader local interest and demand for our sport. We expect a huge demand for tickets and our largest UFC Fight Night viewership across the country.”
This upcoming fight represents the second UFC Fight Night in Perth and the fifth overall event in the city since 2018, following notable events like UFC 221 and UFC 284. The UFC is set to announce further details regarding the main event and additional timings in the coming weeks.
Fans and sports enthusiasts are urged to stay tuned for updates as this thrilling matchup approaches. The stakes are high, and the energy in Perth is building as fight day nears!
