The UFC returns to Australia this weekend for a potential welterweight title eliminator as Jack Della Maddalena faces surging contender Carlos Prates for the main event of UFC Fight Night 275. This headlining fight has huge implications for the 170-pound division, with both fighters looking to position themselves for a title opportunity against the current champion, Islam Makhachev.
Maddalena is aiming to rebound after losing his belt, while Prates enters on a knockout streak that has quickly made him one of the division’s most dangerous threats.
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Jack Della Maddalena(via Zuffa LLC)
How to Watch
Date: Saturday, May 2, 2026
Location: Perth, Australia
Broadcast: All fights will be streamed with a Paramount+ subscription.
Prelims Start: 1 a.m. PT / 4 a.m. ET
Main Card Start: 4 a.m. PT / 7 a.m. ET
This special early-morning start time caters to the Australian crowd, making it a rare morning UFC card for U.S. viewers.
Full Fight Card
Main Card (4 a.m. PT / 7 a.m. ET)
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Jack Della Maddalena vs. Carlos Prates (Welterweight)
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Beneil Dariush vs. Quillan Salkilld (Lightweight)
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Steve Erceg vs. Tim Elliott (Flyweight)
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Marwan Rahiki vs. Ollie Schmid (Featherweight)
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Shamil Gaziev vs. Brando Pericic (Heavyweight)
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Tai Tuivasa vs. Louie Sutherland (Heavyweight)
Prelims (1 a.m. PT / 4 a.m. ET)
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Cam Rowston vs. Robert Bryczek (Middleweight)
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Junior Tafa vs. Kevin Christian (Light Heavyweight)
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Gerald Meerschaert vs. Jacob Malkoun (Middleweight)
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Colby Thicknesse vs. Vince Morales (Bantamweight)
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Ben Johnston vs. Wes Schultz (Middleweight)
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Jonathan Micallef vs. Themba Gorimbo (Welterweight)
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Dom Mar Fan vs. Kody Steele (Lightweight)
Main Event Matchup
The matchup between Maddalena and Prates will be between two skilled strikers with different approaches to the fight.
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Maddalena is mostly a pressure-based boxer who thrives on clean combinations in the pocket, body punches, and steady forward movement. His ability to maintain output while staying defensively responsible (for the most part) has been impressive during his UFC run.
This was especially evident in his title fight against Belal Muhammad, in which he won the UFC welterweight championship belt (via UFC on YouTube):
Even in defeat, he tends to keep fights competitive through volume and technical efficiency.
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Prates, on the other hand, is an absolute sniper with a far more explosive and long-range arsenal. The Fighting Nerds stablemate has built momentum with his knockout power and finishing instincts, with stoppage wins over elite competition, including a notable KO of Leon Edwards (via UFC on YouTube):
His use of kicks, particularly to the legs and body, complements his punching power and adds layers to his offense.
One key dynamic will be range. Maddalena prefers mid-range boxing exchanges, where he can string together combinations. Prates is most dangerous when he can dictate distance and land single, fight-ending shots or counters. If Maddalena can close the distance safely and force extended exchanges, he may neutralize Prates’ explosiveness.
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Durability and pacing will also be a huge part of the puzzle for both fighters. Maddalena has proven he can sustain a high pace over multiple rounds, while Prates’ recent success has often come via early finishes. If the fight extends into the championship rounds, it could favor Maddalena’s conditioning.
Small tactical edges and adjustments to footwork, shot selection, and defensive discipline from either fighter can make all the difference.
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Apr 29, 2026, where it first appeared in the MMA section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
