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Carlos Prates to Face Jack Della Maddalena in UFC Perth Main Event on May 2

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UFC Fight Night Main Event Set for Perth: Della Maddalena vs. Prates

A UFC welterweight main event between Jack Della Maddalena and Carlos Prates has been scheduled for May 2 in Perth, Australia. The fight, announced by the UFC, will headline a UFC Fight Night event at RAC Arena. Both fighters have discussed the bout's implications for the division's title picture.

Event and Fight Details

  • Event: UFC Fight Night: Della Maddalena v Prates
  • Main Event: Five-round welterweight bout
  • Location: RAC Arena, Perth, Australia
  • Date: Saturday, May 2
  • Start Times: Preliminary bouts begin at 4:00 PM local time (6:00 PM AEST). The main card starts at 7:00 PM local time (9:00 PM AEST).

Fighter Backgrounds

Jack Della Maddalena
  • The Australian fighter is a former UFC welterweight champion.
  • This will be his first fight since losing the title to Islam Makhachev by unanimous decision in November.
  • Prior to the title loss, he held an undefeated record in the UFC.
  • He won the championship with a victory over Belal Muhammad.
Carlos Prates
  • Prates is currently on a two-fight winning streak.
  • His only defeat in the UFC was a decision loss to Ian Machado Garry in April 2025.
  • His consecutive victories include wins over former welterweight champion Leon Edwards and Geoff Neal.
  • He has received a performance bonus in six of his seven UFC fights.

Statements and Context

In interviews, Carlos Prates has commented on the upcoming fight and his career trajectory.

Prates described Jack Della Maddalena as the toughest opponent of his career to date, citing Maddalena's past championship status and a five-round fight with Makhachev.

On Title Contention: Prates stated that he believes a victory over Maddalena, particularly by knockout, could position him for a future UFC welterweight title shot. He said defeating a second former champion in a row would, in his view, secure a title opportunity.

On Timing: Prates said he is not campaigning to fight for the title in August, preferring time to recover from injuries and train. He expressed a preference for current champion Islam Makhachev to fight first.

On a Potential Rematch: Prates expressed hope for a title rematch with Ian Machado Garry in Brazil. He stated this scenario is contingent on Garry defeating Makhachev for the title and Prates defeating Maddalena.

Division Context

  • The UFC has not officially announced the next challenger for current welterweight champion Islam Makhachev.
  • UFC CEO Dana White has stated that Makhachev is scheduled to fight again in August.
  • Ian Machado Garry, who defeated Prates, also holds a victory over former champion Belal Muhammad.