UFC Perth Early Weigh Ins Results: Della Maddalena vs. Prates Official for Saturday Night
The scale has spoken, and the fights are locked in. UFC Perth early weigh ins have officially concluded from RAC Arena in Western Australia, setting the stage for a blockbuster card this Saturday, May 2, 2026. With a sold-out crowd expected and a welterweight showdown between Jack Della Maddalena and Carlos Prates headlining the Paramount+ event, the tension is already palpable. All 26 fighters stepped onto the scale tonight, and we have the complete early weigh-in results—plus expert analysis on what these numbers mean for fight night.
- UFC Perth Early Weigh Ins: Main Event & Co-Main Event Results
- Full Undercard Weigh In Results: Heavyweights, Flyweights, and More
- Expert Analysis: What the Weigh Ins Tell Us About Fight Night
- Predictions for UFC Perth: Who Wins the Key Matchups?
- Conclusion: UFC Perth Delivers Drama Before the First Punch
From the main event to the undercard, every ounce matters in a sport where weight cuts can make or break a performance. Below, you’ll find the full text results from the official early weigh ins, along with my breakdown of key matchups, potential X-factors, and bold predictions for Saturday’s action.
UFC Perth Early Weigh Ins: Main Event & Co-Main Event Results
The early weigh ins ran smoothly, with no major misses or dramatic towel-offs. Here are the official numbers for the top two fights on the card:
- 170 lbs.: Jack Della Maddalena (170.5) vs. Carlos Prates (170)
- 155 lbs.: Beneil Dariush (155.5) vs. Quillan Salkilld (155.5)
Both main event fighters hit the mark without issue. Jack Della Maddalena, the hometown hero from Perth, came in at 170.5 pounds—a comfortable cut for the rising welterweight contender. His opponent, Brazilian striker Carlos Prates, weighed exactly 170 pounds, showing discipline after a long flight to Australia. This is a critical fight for both men: Maddalena is riding a four-fight win streak, while Prates looks to crash the party and break into the top 15.
In the co-main event, Beneil Dariush and Quillan Salkilld both hit 155.5 pounds. Dariush, a former title challenger, is looking to rebound from a tough loss, while Salkilld—a local Australian prospect—hopes to make a statement in front of his home crowd. The weight is identical, suggesting both are in peak physical condition. Expect a technical war on the feet and grappling exchanges that could decide the fight.
Full Undercard Weigh In Results: Heavyweights, Flyweights, and More
Beyond the headliners, the undercard features intriguing matchups across multiple divisions. Here is the complete list of official early weigh-in results for UFC Perth:
- 125 lbs.: Tim Elliott (125.5) vs. Steve Erceg (125.5)
- 125 lbs.: Marwan Rahiki (126) vs. Ollie Schmid (125.5)
- 265 lbs.: Shamil Gaziev (265.5) vs. Brando Pericic (264)
- 265 lbs.: Tai Tuivasa (265) vs. Louie Sutherland (265.5)
- 185 lbs.: Cam Rowston (185.5) vs. Robert Bryczek (185)
- 205 lbs.: Junior Tafa (205.5) vs. Kevin Christian (205)
- 185 lbs.: Jacob Malkoun (185.5) vs. Gerald Meerschaert (185.5)
- 135 lbs.: Colby Thicknesse (135) vs. Vince Morales (135.5)
- 185 lbs.: Wes Schultz (185.5) vs. Ben Johnston (185.5)
- 170 lbs.: Jonathan Micallef (170.5) vs. Themba Gorimbo (170.5)
- 155 lbs.: Kody Steele (155.5) vs. Dom Mar Fan (155.5)
Notable takeaways: Tai Tuivasa came in at a lean 265 pounds, his lightest since 2023. The Aussie heavyweight is known for his brawling style, but a trimmer frame could mean better cardio against Louie Sutherland, who weighed 265.5. Meanwhile, Tim Elliott and Steve Erceg both hit 125.5 pounds—a flyweight bout that could steal the show with its pace and submission threats.
Shamil Gaziev tipped the scales at 265.5 pounds, giving up a slight size advantage to Brando Pericic at 264. This heavyweight clash promises power and chaos, as both men have knockout finishes on their resumes.
Expert Analysis: What the Weigh Ins Tell Us About Fight Night
Early weigh ins are more than just numbers—they reveal fight camp discipline, potential weight-cut issues, and psychological edges. Here’s my breakdown of the key trends from UFC Perth:
Home Field Advantage for Della Maddalena. Jack Della Maddalena looked calm and confident on the scale, hitting 170.5 with ease. Fighting in his hometown of Perth, he avoids the travel fatigue that often plagues international fighters. Carlos Prates, however, came in sharp at exactly 170 pounds, showing he’s ready to spoil the party. The edge in conditioning goes to Maddalena, but Prates’ power in the clinch could be a factor if the fight goes into deep waters.
Heavyweight Fitness Levels. Tai Tuivasa’s 265-pound weigh-in is a red flag for his opponents. The Sydney native has struggled with weight in the past, but this is his most disciplined cut in years. Louie Sutherland, at 265.5, is no slouch either, but Tuivasa’s explosiveness might be amplified at this weight. Expect a first-round brawl—both men have one-punch knockout power.
Flyweight Fireworks. Tim Elliott and Steve Erceg both weighed 125.5 pounds, which is ideal for a division where a half-pound can mean dehydration risks. Elliott is a veteran grappler, while Erceg is a rising submission artist. The weight suggests both are fully hydrated and ready for a three-round war. I predict a Fight of the Night bonus candidate here.
Local Prospects Under Pressure. Quillan Salkilld (155.5) and Ollie Schmid (125.5) both made weight without drama. These Australian fighters carry the weight of home expectations, but their discipline in camp suggests they’re ready for the moment. Salkilld, in particular, faces a massive step up in competition against Dariush. If he can weather the early storm, his youth and cardio could be decisive.
Predictions for UFC Perth: Who Wins the Key Matchups?
Based on the weigh-in results, fight styles, and recent form, here are my expert predictions for Saturday’s card:
- Main Event: Jack Della Maddalena def. Carlos Prates via TKO (Round 3). Maddalena’s volume striking and hometown crowd will overwhelm Prates, who relies on counter-punching. Look for a body shot to set up a finish.
- Co-Main Event: Beneil Dariush def. Quillan Salkilld via Submission (Round 2). Dariush’s grappling experience is too much for the prospect. Salkilld will have moments on the feet, but Dariush drags him to the mat and locks in a rear-naked choke.
- Heavyweight Brawl: Tai Tuivasa def. Louie Sutherland via KO (Round 1). Tuivasa’s lighter frame and home crowd energy lead to a violent finish. Sutherland is tough, but “Bam Bam” lands the overhand right early.
- Flyweight Showdown: Steve Erceg def. Tim Elliott via Decision. Erceg’s submission threat keeps Elliott honest, but the fight stays on the feet where Erceg’s boxing wins a close split decision.
- Underdog Pick: Themba Gorimbo def. Jonathan Micallef via Unanimous Decision. Gorimbo’s wrestling and pace grind out a win over the Australian prospect in a 170-pound scrap.
Conclusion: UFC Perth Delivers Drama Before the First Punch
The early weigh ins for UFC Perth set the table for a memorable night of fights. Every athlete made weight, which means no late scratches or catchweight compromises. The stage is set for Jack Della Maddalena to cement his status as a welterweight contender, while Beneil Dariush looks to remind fans why he was once knocking on the title door.
For the Australian fighters like Tai Tuivasa and Quillan Salkilld, this is a chance to shine in front of a raucous RAC Arena crowd. The international competitors, including Carlos Prates and Gerald Meerschaert, face the added challenge of silencing the hostile environment. But as we saw tonight, the scale doesn’t lie—and these athletes are ready to go to war.
For much more on this weekend’s UFC Perth fight card, including full analysis, betting odds, and post-fight coverage, click here. Stay locked in to our coverage for live updates from Saturday’s event, starting with the preliminary card on Paramount+.
Follow us for breaking news, weigh-in recaps, and expert fight breakdowns. UFC Perth is live this Saturday, May 2, 2026—don’t miss a second of the action.
Source: Based on news from Yahoo Sports.
