Tickets for UFC Fight Night: Della Maddalena vs Prates in Perth, Australia, went on sale today at 11am AWST via Ticketek. The event at RAC Arena features local talents Quillan Salkilld vs No.12 lightweight Beneil Dariush in the co-main event, alongside headliner Jack Della Maddalena vs an opponent named Prates. Western Australian Steve Erceg is also added to the card. This marks UFC's return to Perth in 2026, boosting local MMA scene with elite international matchups. It highlights rising Aussie stars like 2025 Rookie of the Year Salkilld. Expect more bouts to be announced as hype builds for May 2026.
Tickets for UFC Fight Night: Della Maddalena vs Prates went on sale Thursday at 11am AWST through Ticketek, with the event scheduled for RAC Arena in Perth, Australia in May 2026. The card has not been officially confirmed in full, but several bouts are reported to be in place as the UFC returns to Western Australia for the first time in 2026.
The reported co-main event pairs Australian lightweight contender Quillan Salkilld against Beneil Dariush. Salkilld, 26, carries a 12-1 record and sits at number 15 in the lightweight rankings. Fighting out of Luistro Combat Academy, the orthodox striker lands an impressive 5.16 significant strikes per minute at 57 percent accuracy, and adds a punishing grappling dimension with nearly eight takedowns per 15 minutes. The UFC's reported 2025 Rookie of the Year would be stepping up against serious opposition.
Dariush, a 37-year-old southpaw representing Kings MMA, brings a 23-8-1 record and currently holds the number eight ranking at lightweight. The American stands five-foot-ten with a 72-inch reach and averages 3.78 significant strikes per minute alongside 2.11 takedowns per 15 minutes, making him a well-rounded threat across all phases.
Also reported for the card is flyweight Steve Erceg, the 30-year-old Perth native nicknamed Astroboy. Fighting out of Wilkes Martial Arts, Erceg holds a 14-4 record and sits at number nine in the flyweight division. He stands five-foot-eight and averages four significant strikes per minute, giving the home crowd a local hero to rally behind.
Why it matters
- Salkilld vs Dariush is a high-stakes lightweight clash that could reshape the top-15 rankings in the division
- A Salkilld win over a seasoned veteran like Dariush would accelerate his push toward title contention
- Erceg's inclusion adds another marquee Australian name and significant flyweight ranking implications
- The card remains unconfirmed in full, with additional bouts expected to be announced ahead of May 2026
