UFC Perth was an early morning for western fight fans, but a nice change of pace for spectators at the RAC Arena, with the Fight Night card unfolding in prime time locally.
When the dust had settled, a somewhat shocking turn of events had played out in the night’s main event, as Carlos Prates put away former welterweight champion and Perth local Jack Della Maddalena in violent fashion, working him over with leg kicks then sealing the deal with elbows.
Prates, who a year ago was seen losing a decision to Ian Machado Garry, a possible next in line for Islam Makhachev, has now won three straight. The last two have come against former champions, all three have ended inside the distance, and all three have now won Performance of the Night bonuses.
The second Performance of the Night bonus at UFC Perth went to the card’s co-headliner Quillan Salkilld, who finished Beneil Dariush via TKO inside of a round. Australian lightweight Salkilld is now 5-0 under the UFC banner, with four Performance of the Night bonuses in that span.
Fight of the Night, meanwhile, went to Brando Pericic vs. Shamil Gaziev. Continuing something of a resurgence for the heavyweight division of late, the pair engaged in a spirited battle until “Balkan Bear” Pericic landed the knockout blow in the second round. That marks three wins in three fights inside the UFC octagon for Pericic, who arrived in the UFC last September.
All four bonus-winners pocket $100,000 U.S. for their efforts. All other finishers collect $25,000. Those are Marwan Rahiki, Junior Tafa, Wes Schultz, and Kody Steele.
