The UFC’s return to Western Australia just gained an enormous jolt of hometown adrenaline. Former welterweight champion Jack Della Maddalena returns to the Octagon to defend his home turf against the harmful Brazilian knockout artist Carlos Prates at UFC Perth on May 2.
The matchup, first reported by ESPN Brasil and Higor Ciconello, guarantees fireworks and has immediate implications for the 170-pound title picture. It’s the precise kind of high-stakes, fan-friendly booking that a stadium show in Perth demands, pairing two of the division’s most lethal strikers.
🚨 BREAKING: Jack Della Maddalena will fight Carlos Prates at #UFCPerth on May 2
(via @ESPNBrasil, @higorciconello) pic.twitter.com/GDVPjA8G9w
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) February 28, 2026
Della Maddalena has been nothing wanting a revelation since entering the Octagon. The Perth native has rattled off a formidable winning streak, showcasing a beautifully violent boxing-centric style that has dismantled a who’s who of welterweight veterans to develop into the primary Australian-born UFC welterweight champion. His ability to work the body, maintain relentless pressure, and find the chin with pinpoint accuracy has made him a fan favorite and a legitimate threat to the division’s elite. Returning to fight in front of his home crowd adds an undeniable layer of pressure, but Della Maddalena has consistently proven he thrives under the brightest lights.
Knockout of the day 8/1/24
Jack Della Maddalena KO of Gilbert Burns.
Gilbert was so near winning this fight, Jack found the right shot and exploded on him, ref desired to see a dead body💀pic.twitter.com/LER8RrRD9h— Knockout of the day (@KOofTheDAY) August 2, 2024
Nonetheless, he faces a monumental challenge in Carlos Prates. The Brazilian has exploded onto the scene, quickly establishing himself as probably the most terrifying forces at 170 kilos. Prates brings a devastating Muay Thai arsenal, characterised by fight-ending power in each his hands and his kicks. He doesn’t just win fights; he separates his opponents from their consciousness with chilling efficiency. For Prates, a victory over a former champion like Della Maddalena could be the defining statement needed to secure a quick track to a title shot.
SPINNING BACK ELBOW !
En l’espace de quasiment 1 mois, nous avons eu 3 coups de coude retournés dont 2 la même soirée back to back :
🇧🇷 Carlos Prates vs 🇺🇸 Geoff Neal
🏴 Lerone Murphy vs 🇺🇸 Aaron Pico
🇧🇷 Diego Lopez vs 🇧🇷 Jean SilvaVous préférez lequel ? pic.twitter.com/Kkyt5nysul
— MMA PROPAGANDE 👊🇫🇷 (@MMAPropagande) September 15, 2025
Stylistically, this fight is a striking purist’s dream. Della Maddalena’s slick boxing and combination work will likely be tested against Prates’s brutal kicks and explosive power. The important thing to the fight will likely come right down to distance management. If Della Maddalena can close the gap and fight within the pocket, his boxing could overwhelm Prates. Conversely, if Prates can maintain range and utilize his kicks to maintain the Australian at bay, it could possibly be a really short night for the hometown favorite.
UFC Perth was already shaping as much as be a monumental event, however the addition of Della Maddalena vs. Prates guarantees that the RAC Arena will likely be deafening. With each men possessing the ability to finish the fight at any moment, fans shouldn’t expect to listen to the judges’ scorecards read. This can be a high-risk, high-reward collision course, and on May 2, just one man will take an enormous step toward UFC gold.