Carlos Prates became the first fighter to stop Jack Della Maddalena at UFC Perth, solidifying his position as the new No. 1 contender at welterweight. The fight took place on May 2, 2026, at RAC Arena in Perth, Australia. Prates showcased his striking ability, finishing Della Maddalena and earning his third consecutive stoppage win.
Prates improved to 7-1 in the UFC, with all seven victories coming by knockout or technical knockout. His impressive performance left fans and analysts alike calling for his shot at the welterweight title. Before this fight, Della Maddalena held an 18-fight professional winning streak that was halted by Islam Makhachev at UFC 322.
During the fight, Prates continued landing stinging shots that overwhelmed Della Maddalena. The former contender had previously won the welterweight title just 11.5 months ago when he defeated Belal Muhammad at UFC 315. Now, at age 29, he faces a turning point in his career following this defeat.
Key statistics:
- Prates finished Della Maddalena with a knockout.
- Della Maddalena’s record before this fight was 8-0 in the UFC.
- This event marked the fourth consecutive year for UFC events at RAC Arena.
- Prates is now expected to challenge for the welterweight title soon.
Prates’s only loss in the UFC came from a decision against Ian Machado Garry. He is currently 32 years old and has established himself as a formidable knockout artist within the division. This victory not only marks a personal achievement but also reshapes the landscape of the welterweight division.
The win—Prates’ third straight—has ignited discussions about his future and potential matchups against other top contenders like Geoff Neal and Leon Edwards. With this victory, Prates has firmly positioned himself as a serious title challenger in a competitive division.
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