Wes Schultz vs. Ben Johnston prediction, odds, pick for UFC Perth

We’re back with one other betting prediction and pick for the UFC Perth Prelims, this upcoming bout going down within the Middleweight (185) Division. Milwaukee’s Wes Schultz will tackle Australian’s Ben Johnston in an evenly-matched scrap. Check our UFC odds series for the Schultz-Johnston prediction and pick.

Wes Schultz (8-3) makes his second UFC appearance following a loss to Damian Pinas during his debut back in February 2026. After earning a contract on Dana White’s Contender Series with a rare Suloev stretch submission, he’ll hope to finally cash-in on his UFC opportunity. Schultz stands 6-foot-2 with a 77-inch reach.

Ben Johnston (5-1) will make his UFC debut at 35 years old after posting a 4-1 record during his time with Everlasting MMA from 2022-2024. He most recently won the organization’s title belt and can bring his talents to essentially the most relevant fight promotion on the planet because the slight betting favorite in his home country. Johnston stands 6-foot-4 with a 75.5-inch reach.

UFC Perth Odds, courtesy of DraftKings. 

UFC Perth Odds: Wes Schultz-Ben Johnston Odds

Wes Schultz: +120

Ben Johnston: -142

Over 1.5 rounds: +130

Under 1.5 rounds: -166

Why Wes Schultz Will Win

• Last Fight: (L) Damian Pinas – KO (cross, R1)
• Last 5: 3-2
• Finishes: 2 KO/TKO, 5 SUB

Wes Schultz was stopped during his UFC debut when he was met with a flush jab-cross from Damian Pinas, who also making his UFC debut. Schultz earned a no brainer contract on Contender Series because of a rarely-seen Suloev stretch submission over his opponent, proving his strong acumen on the bottom as a former 4-1 prospect with LFA. Using the bottom to his advantage and his athleticism as an edge, Schultz will look for one more opportunity to display his full skill set while hopefully walking away with a win.

Schultz is incredibly aggressive in chasing his takedowns, oftentimes shooting across the octagon and changing levels when opponents least expect it. Once he’s capable of grab a hold, Schultz will relentlessly drive forward in securing the takedown or at the very least putting his opponent in a foul spot along the fence. The more Schultz can neutralize the striking of Johnston and slow his pace along the fence, the more it’ll profit him as he works to search out an angle to alter levels.

Still, Schultz could have to enhance his defense on the feet and with 4 submission wins of his own, Johnston is actually no slouch on the bottom. Schultz could have athleticism on his side and has face the next level of competition, which could spell the difference between two relatively inexperienced fighters on this form of stage.

Why Ben Johnston Will Win

• Last Fight: (W) John Martin Fraser – SUB (rear naked choke, R2)
• Last 5: 4-1
• Finishes: 1 KO/TKO, 4 SUB

Not many fighters are allowed the chance to make their UFC debut at 35 years old, but Ben Johnston of Queensland will have the opportunity to do exactly that in front of his home Australian fans on Saturday. Training under the watchful eye of elite head coach Eugene Bareman, Johnston is a typical menace on the feet with a ton of power to harm his opponent. Nonetheless, unlike a lot of Bareman’s prodigees, Johnston is highly-skilled on the bottom and notched three submission wins en path to his Everlasting MMA title. Look ahead to his ground game to once more turn into a theme throughout his debut.

Johnston is at his strongest when engaging opponents within the clinch, capable of select whether he desires to dirty box or tie his opponent up and produce them to the bottom. Staying heavy on top, he’s very dangerous with knees to the body and elbows to the pinnacle from the clinch. He’s also crafty with inside trips in open space and can give opponents a tough time along with his ground striking if he’s capable of find yourself in an advantageous position.

Johnston must have the length on his side and along with his constant training under Eugene Bareman, his striking should only proceed to enhance with each passing fight. Feeling confident in having his grappling within the back pocket as a second resort, expect Johnston to welcome the striking exchanges as he must have the punches with the upper impact early.

Final Wes Schultz-Ben Johnston Prediction & Pick

Wes Schultz comes into this bout as a formidable opponent and has previous level of competition on his side. An ultra-aggressive wrestler, he could have the opportunity to outlast because the under if he’s capable of chain his takedowns together and notch meaningful position time on the bottom. Nonetheless, Ben Johnston could have a ton of support from the gang and I do not see him spending an excessive amount of time on his back as he’s shown a capability to guide the grappling exchanges previously.

For our final prediction, we’ll must roll with the slight favorite in Ben Johnston to deliver in his debut on Australian soil. He needs to be the more technical grappler and striker, likely capable of use Schultz’s aggression against him in reversing positions and finding a possible submission finish inside the gap.

Final Wes Schultz-Ben Johnston Prediction & Pick: Ben Johnston (-142); OVER 1.5 Rounds (+130)