Full Breakdown
Carlos Prates Stuns Jack Della Maddalena with Third-Round TKO at UFC Fight Night Perth
5/3/2026, 11:56:41 AM
Fight Overview
On May 2, 2026, at the RAC Arena in Perth, Brazil’s Carlos Prates (24-7) faced Australia’s former champion Jack Della Maddalena (18-4) in the UFC welterweight main event. After three rounds, Prates secured a technical knockout at 3:17 of round three, delivering a decisive calf kick and a flurry of strikes that forced referee Mike Beltran to stop the bout.
Background and Stakes
Both fighters entered the contest with momentum. Prates had won his previous two fights by knockout, while Della Maddalena was coming off a loss to current welterweight champion Islam Makhachev, who dethroned him in November 2025. The Perth showdown offered Prates a chance to re-enter title contention and to challenge the winner of the Makhachev-versus-Ian Machado Makhachev bout, still unconfirmed.
Key Fighters
Carlos Prates, 32, is a Brazilian striker known for powerful kicks and elbows; his record includes 19 knockout victories. Jack Della Maddalena, 29, is an Australian fighter celebrated for precise boxing and a former title reign. The division’s champion, Islam Makhachev, a Russian grappler, holds the welterweight belt, while rising lightweight Quillan Salkilld (5-0 in the UFC) headlined the co-main event with a first-round TKO over Beneil Dariush.
Fight Statistics and Highlights
Prates landed a significant calf kick that dropped Della Maddalena late in round 2 and repeated leg attacks in round 3, including a head kick and a knee that compounded the damage. The Brazilian’s striking output increased each round, while Della Maddalena’s attempts at takedowns and body shots were largely neutralized. The official result recorded a third-round TKO at 3:17.
Implications for the Welterweight Division
The victory positions Prates as a top-contender, with analysts noting his “devastating striking performance” as a catalyst for a potential title shot. Should he defeat the winner of the Makhachev-Machado bout, he could become the next challenger for the welterweight crown. The result underscores the depth of the division, where a single striking showcase can reshape the championship landscape.
Official Statements & Responses
UFC officials noted that Prates’ striking performance has placed him in the welterweight title conversation. In post-fight remarks, Prates said he feels ready to face the next champion and expressed confidence in his striking arsenal.
Verbatim Quotes
- “This motherf*cker’s already shown what he wants, he wants to take you down,” Prates cornerman tells him after round 1.” — Prates’ cornerman, unnamed.
- “Don’t fall for his antics, he’s not your friend.” — Prates’ cornerman, unnamed.
- “I can punch, I can knee, I can kick … so I’m better, and now I feel like I’m the number one contender,” — Carlos Prates, fighter.
- “I can’t wait to see Makhachev and Ian, and then I’m going to fight the winner.” — Carlos Prates, fighter.
