UFC Makes History with First Saturday Night Event in Perth
In a groundbreaking move for Australian mixed martial arts, the UFC will host its first-ever Saturday night fight card in Perth on May 2, 2026. This historic event, set at RAC Arena, features former welterweight champion Jack Della Maddalena in the main event against Carlos "The Nightmare" Prates, the No. 5 ranked welterweight contender.
Della Maddalena's Homecoming and Title Aspirations
Jack Della Maddalena, with a record of 18-3, is eager to bounce back from his loss to Islam Makhachev in November. The 29-year-old West Australian believes a victory over Prates, who holds a 23-7 record, could propel him back into title contention. "A good win over Carlos ... I believe it will put me back into the top spot in the division," Della Maddalena stated. He emphasized the need for an exciting finish to secure another shot at the world title.
Reflecting on his recent defeat, Della Maddalena shared that he has grown from the experience. "I learnt a lot about myself, about my mentality. I feel more dangerous. A lot of lessons learnt," he said, highlighting his determination to return stronger.
Historic Scheduling Shift and Economic Impact
Traditionally, UFC events in Western Australia have been scheduled for Sunday mornings to align with American broadcast times. This shift to a Saturday night, with fights starting at 4pm local time, marks a significant change aimed at enhancing local fan engagement. The reshuffle has also delayed a pay-per-view event in Perth to next year.
Tourism Minister Reece Whitby praised the event, noting its economic benefits. "Events like UFC Fight Night deliver strong results for Western Australia – filling our hotels, supporting local jobs and injecting millions of dollars into our economy," he said. The fight is expected to draw fans from across the country, boosting tourism and reinforcing Perth's reputation as a global sports host.
Local Talent and Broader Implications
Della Maddalena won't be the only West Australian in the spotlight. Other local fighters, including Steve Erceg, Quillan Salkilld, and Cody Haddon, are also vying for spots on the card. Peter Kloczko, UFC Australia and New Zealand senior vice president, expressed optimism about the event's impact. "This event will mark another step forward for UFC in Australia, continuing to build broader local interest and demand for our sport," he said, anticipating high ticket demand and viewership.
For Della Maddalena, fighting at home is a dream come true. He last competed in Perth in February 2023, defeating Randy Brown. "It's a big dream come true. Fighting at home will be good for the friends and family and supporters who don't always get the opportunity to come watch me fight," he remarked, appreciating the local support and reduced travel time.
