Full Breakdown
Jack Della Maddalena vs. Carlos Prates – UFC Perth Main Event Deep-Dive
5/2/2026, 7:11:50 AM
Main Event Overview
UFC Fight Night 275 takes place on 2 May 2026 at RAC Arena in Perth, Australia. The welterweight headline pits former champion Jack Della Maddalena (18-3 MMA, 8-1 UFC) against Brazilian contender Carlos Prates (23-7 MMA, 6-1 UFC). Both fighters are south-paw switch-hitters; Della Maddalena stands 5 ft 11 in with a 73.5-in reach, while Prates is 6 ft 1 in with a 78-in reach.
Background & Recent Trajectories
Della Maddalena captured the UFC welterweight belt at UFC 315 (May 2025) by unanimous decision over Belal Muhammad. He lost the title to Islam Makhachev at UFC 322 (Nov 15 2025) in a dominant 50-45 decision, marking his first defeat since 2016. Prates entered the UFC via Dana White’s Contender Series (2023) and has risen to the division’s No. 5 ranking with knockout victories over Geoff Neal, Leon Edwards, and a decision loss only to Ian Garry (Apr 2025).
Fighter Profiles & Statistics
- Della Maddalena: 78 % finish rate (14 KO/TKO), 5.57 significant strikes/min (51 % accuracy), 63.3 % defensive rate, takedown average 0.13/15 min (10 % accuracy), takedown defense 64 %. Six Fight-Night bonuses tie for fourth-most among active welterweights.
- Prates: 91 % finish rate (21 KO/TKO), 3.77 significant strikes/min (55 % accuracy), 57 % defensive rate, takedown average 0.21/15 min (100 % accuracy), takedown defense 80 %. Holds the UFC’s most finishes in 2024 and is tied for fourth-most KO/TKO wins among active welterweights.
Stakes and Potential Impact
The victor moves directly into title-contender conversation. A win would position Della Maddalena for a possible rematch with Makhachev or another title bout, while Prates would likely become the next challenger for the champion, especially if the Makhachev-Garry showdown proceeds as expected. The bout also marks a high-profile welterweight clash on Australian soil, enhancing the UFC’s regional market presence.
Official Statements from the Combatants
- Della Maddalena emphasized aggression: “I need to be switched on and focused. Being defensively minded is important, but I can’t shell up.” He added that complacency against Makhachev cost him: “I should have been attacking and trying to create opportunities to scramble.”
- Prates acknowledged Makhachev’s caliber and Della Maddalena’s tactical lapse: “Makhachev is one of the best fighters… Della Maddalena did maybe a wrong strategy, but it is what it is.”
Criticism, Analyst Views, and Betting Landscape
Analysts note Prates’ reach and power advantage, describing the matchup as a modern Hagler-Hearns style clash. Dan Tom (MMA Junkie) warned that Prates’ “southpaw double-attack” could neutralize Della Maddalena’s inside game. The New York Post predicts a Prates knockout, while CBS Sports’ expert picks favor Della Maddalena by unanimous decision. Betting odds vary: CBS Sports lists Prates –118 vs. Della Maddalena –102; Sports Interaction shows Prates –122 vs. Della Maddalena +102.
Conflicting Odds and Forecasts
Sources disagree on exact money-line numbers and the favored fighter’s designation (negative odds for both, but differing magnitudes). Forecasts also split, with some experts backing Della Maddalena’s experience and others favoring Prates’ finish rate and size.
Verbatim Quotes
- “He can put you down in a bad way,” — Jack Della Maddalena
- “I need to be switched on and focused. Being defensively minded is important, but I can't shell up. I can't shy away from bringing offense to the table, which will ultimately win the fight.” — Jack Della Maddalena
- “Makhachev is one of the best fighters. He is a two-division champ,” — Carlos Prates
- “I think [Della Maddalena] did maybe a wrong strategy, but it is what it is.” — Carlos Prates
- “That said, if forced to make a pick, I’ll take “The Hitman” side of this equation to win MMA’s version of Hagler-Hearns.” — Dan Tom (MMA Junkie)
- “Prates should be favored here, and I’ll take him to win by knockout.” — New York Post
Looking Ahead
The winner will likely be slotted for a title-contender bout later in 2026, with the UFC already positioning the next welterweight championship fight around the Makhachev-Garry matchup. UFC Perth streams live on Paramount+ (U.S.) and TNT Sports/HBO Max (U.K.).
