In a highly anticipated showdown, Jack Della Maddalena faces Carlos Prates in a crucial UFC matchup in Perth, Australia. This fight is part of the UFC Fight Night event, taking place on Saturday. The welterweight clash will highlight a crowded division, with both fighters looking to secure a key position.
Match Preview: Della Maddalena vs. Prates
At 32 years old, Brazilian fighter Carlos Prates enters this bout with notable momentum. He comes off two consecutive knockout victories against Geoff Neal and former champion Leon Edwards in 2025. However, Prates will be up against Della Maddalena, a 29-year-old former titleholder from Perth, making a significant return to his hometown.
Della Maddalena’s Background
Della Maddalena’s previous success includes a decision win over Belal Muhammad for the title in May. Unfortunately, he lost the belt to Islam Makhachev in November, also by decision. This weekend’s event marks his first hometown fight in three years, adding an emotional layer to this competition.
Event Details
The UFC Fight Night card features 13 bouts, with an Australian fighter in every matchup. The highlight fight of the evening will showcase:
- Jack Della Maddalena vs. Carlos Prates
- Beneil Dariush vs. Quillan Salkilld
- Tim Elliott vs. Steve Erceg
- Tai Tuivasa vs. Louie Sutherland
Quillan Salkilld will be featured in the co-main event against veteran Beneil Dariush, while the card also includes matchups for Tim Elliott and Steve Erceg, and rising talent Tai Tuivasa aiming to end a six-fight losing streak.
Weigh-In Results and Fight Order
The official weigh-in produced only one notable issue, as Gerald Meerschaert missed weight by four pounds for his middleweight bout against Jacob Malkoun. Despite the setback, their fight will proceed as planned.
Local fans can expect a primetime start, tailoring the event to Australian audiences rather than the typical North American scheduling. Below is the projected bout order:
| Fight | Fighter 1 | Fighter 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Main Event | Jack Della Maddalena | Carlos Prates |
| Co-Main Event | Beneil Dariush | Quillan Salkilld |
| Fight 3 | Tim Elliott | Steve Erceg |
| Fight 4 | Tai Tuivasa | Louie Sutherland |
| Other Fights | Various Fighters | Various Fighters |
The Della Maddalena vs. Prates matchup highlights the intense rivalry in the welterweight division. As an underdog, Della Maddalena will look to leverage his home advantage and prior championship experience to turn the tide in his favor. Fans eagerly await what promises to be an electrifying night of MMA action.
