Former UFC welterweight champion Jack Della Maddalena will return to action in front of his home crowd when he squares off against knockout artist Carlos Prates in the main event of UFC Fight Night Perth on May 2, 2026, at RAC Arena.

The highly anticipated welterweight clash was first reported by ESPN Brasil's Higor Ciconello and later confirmed by UFC's social media accounts, setting up what promises to be one of the most compelling matchups in the 170-pound division.

Della Maddalena Seeks Redemption After Title Loss

For Della Maddalena (18-3), this bout represents a crucial opportunity to begin his journey back to championship contention. The 29-year-old Australian experienced the highest of highs and lowest of lows in 2025, capturing the UFC welterweight title with a stunning upset victory over Belal Muhammad at UFC 315 last May, only to lose it in his first defense against Islam Makhachev at UFC 322 in November.

The Perth native's rise to the top was nothing short of remarkable. After losing his first two professional MMA bouts early in his career, Della Maddalena embarked on an incredible 18-fight winning streak that included an unblemished 8-0 record in the UFC. His technical boxing skills and finishing ability made him one of the most feared welterweights in the division before Makhachev's decision to move up from lightweight disrupted his championship reign.

The loss to Makhachev marked Della Maddalena's first defeat in nearly a decade, ending what many believed could have been a lengthy title reign. However, the setback has only motivated the Australian to prove that his championship victory was no fluke.

Prates Campaigns for High-Profile Matchup

Carlos Prates (23-7) has been actively pursuing this fight since his spectacular performance on the UFC 322 undercard, where he delivered a devastating second-round knockout of former champion Leon Edwards. The 32-year-old Brazilian, known as "Nightmare," has made no secret of his desire to face Della Maddalena specifically in Australia.

Prates' campaign for the fight has been relentless, publicly calling out the former champion and specifically requesting that the bout take place on Australian soil. His persistence paid off when Della Maddalena accepted the challenge during a livestream with internet personality N3on, boldly predicting, "I'm in. He's got pretty good striking. I reckon I'd finish him. It has to be a five-rounder for sure."

Currently ranked in the top six of the welterweight division, Prates views a victory over Della Maddalena as his direct path to a title shot against current champion Islam Makhachev. Since joining the UFC, the Brazilian has compiled an impressive 6-1 record with six knockouts, with his only loss coming via decision to Ian Machado Garry in April 2025.

A Clash of Styles and Finishing Power

On paper, this matchup presents a fascinating stylistic clash between two of the division's most dangerous finishers. Della Maddalena brings crisp, technical boxing to the table, having demonstrated his finishing ability at every level of competition. His precision striking and ability to find openings have made him a nightmare for opponents throughout his career.

Prates, on the other hand, offers an unpredictable kickboxing style that has proven devastatingly effective inside the Octagon. His knockout victories over Edwards and Geoff Neal showcased his ability to end fights with explosive power, and his six UFC finishes demonstrate his consistent threat to any opponent.

The Brazilian's recent knockout of Edwards was particularly impressive, as he overcame a slow first round to deliver a fight-ending blow in the second frame. This resilience and ability to turn the tide of a fight make him a dangerous opponent for anyone in the division.

Perth Connection Adds Intrigue

Both fighters have significant history in Perth, adding another layer of intrigue to this matchup. Della Maddalena last competed in his hometown in 2023, where he submitted Randy Brown in the first round to the delight of the local crowd. The RAC Arena faithful will undoubtedly be firmly in JDM's corner for this homecoming fight.

Prates also has experience fighting in Perth, having knocked out Li Jingliang in the second round at UFC 305 in 2024. His familiarity with the venue and the hostile crowd environment could prove valuable, though he'll certainly be the villain in this story.

Title Implications and Division Landscape

The welterweight division currently finds itself in an interesting position with several contenders vying for the next title shot. Michael Morales and Ian Machado Garry are also positioning themselves for championship opportunities, making this bout between Della Maddalena and Prates even more significant.

For Prates, a victory over the former champion would make him nearly impossible to overlook for a title shot. His combination of finishing power and recent victories over elite competition would create a compelling case for facing Makhachev next.

Della Maddalena, meanwhile, would use a victory to prove that his championship reign wasn't a fluke and that he belongs among the elite of the division. A dominant performance against a dangerous opponent like Prates would immediately thrust him back into title contention.

Looking Ahead to May 2

As the UFC prepares to return to Perth on May 2, 2026, this main event promises to deliver the kind of excitement that makes the welterweight division one of the most compelling in mixed martial arts. Both fighters possess the skills and motivation to put on a memorable performance for the Australian crowd.

The five-round main event format, as requested by Della Maddalena, will provide ample opportunity for both men to showcase their complete skill sets. Whether it ends in a technical boxing clinic from the former champion or an explosive knockout from the Brazilian challenger, fight fans are in for a treat.

With official UFC confirmation still pending, anticipation continues to build for what shapes up to be one of the most significant welterweight bouts of 2026. The stakes couldn't be higher for both men as they look to position themselves for another shot at UFC gold.