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MAIN CARD (Paramount+, 7 a.m. ET)
#1 Jack Della Maddalena (170 lbs.) vs. #5 Carlos Prates (170 lbs.)
#12 Beneil Dariush (156 lbs.) vs. Quillan Salkilld (156 lbs.)
#11 Tim Elliott (126 lbs.) vs. #12 Steve Erceg (125.5 lbs.)
Marwan Rahiki (146 lbs.) vs. Oliver Schmid (145.5 lbs.)
#14 Shamil Gaziev (264 lbs.) vs. Brando Pericic (265 lbs.)
Louie Sutherland (261 lbs.) vs. Tai Tuivasa (265 lbs.)
PRELIMINARY CARD (Paramount+, 4 a.m. ET)
Robert Bryczek (186 lbs.) vs. Cam Rowston (185 lbs.)
Kevin Christian (204 lbs.) vs. Junior Tafa (205.5 lbs.)
Jacob Malkoun (186 lbs.) vs. Gerald Meerschaert (190 lbs.)*
Vince Morales (136 lbs.) vs. Colby Thicknesse (135 lbs.)
Ben Johnston (185.5 lbs.) vs. Wes Schultz (186 lbs.)
Themba Gorimbo (171 lbs.) vs. Jonathan Micallef (170 lbs.)
Dom Mar Fan (155.5 lbs.) vs. Kody Steele (156 lbs.)
Hello everyone and welcome to 411mania’s LIVE coverage of UFC Fight Night: Della Maddalena vs. Prates, I’m Robert Winfree and I’ll be your host. The UFC is back in the land down under for this one and while the card on the whole is a little iffy the main event is fantastic. Former welterweight champion Jack Della Maddalena takes on surging finish machine Carlos Prates in a fight that definitely has title implications. Things fall a bit after that, Beneil Dariush tries to hang on against young up and coming Quillan Salkilld, Tim Elliott takes on Steve Erceg in a relevant flyweight fight, and on the prelims we’ve got the old battle giraffe Cam Rowston taking on Robert Bryczek. There’s some dross as both Tai Tuivasa and Junior Tafa have fights, but these days you can’t have everything from a UFC event even if it’s a big one which this very much isn’t. But there’s good to be had for sure and the action can always over deliver.
UFC Fight Night: Della Maddalena vs. Prates comes to the world from the RAC Arena in Perth, Australia. We’ve got Brendan Fitzgerald, Michael Bisping, and Paul Felder on commentary with Joe Martinez announcing and McKenzie Pavacich as our roving reporter. The rules should be the normal ones, I’m still waiting on my people to key into knees to the head when just the hands are down and more tomahawk elbows please, but I’ll update if there’s some unique wrinkles to Perth. We are in the normal 30 foot cage of course as well.
Dom Mar Fan is on a five fight winning streak including winning a Road to UFC tournament early this year, now he’s looking to fully establish himself as a prospect in the promotion. Kody Steele dropped his UFC debut over a year ago but now he’s back in action and looking for that first UFC win. The odds lean towards Steele at -150 while +125 on Fam might tempt a few bettors.
Lightweight Bout: Dom Mar Fan (9-2, 155.5 lbs.) vs. Kody Steele (7-1, 156 lbs.)
ROUND ONE: Mar Fan is two inches taller with four inches of reach advantage. They touch gloves to get things going. Some circling to start and a little feinting from both men. Bit of a calf kick from Mar Fan. Steele with a double leg into guard. Full guard now for Mar Fan, Steele with a few body punches. Steele passes to half guard, he’s almost got a leg trap mounted crucifix that’s how far passed he is. Some more strikes from Steele, then he attacks an arm triangle position. Full mount for Steele but Mar Fan sweeps him, Steele sweeps him back and they scramble around on the mat and Steele keeps trying to roll for a leg but neither man winds up in a really decent position. Steele keeps fishing for a leg, he gets to 50/50 guard and could attack an inside heel hook if he wants. They trade a few punches while Steele keeps trying to angle around and he finally does get around to lock up the kneebar and get the tap. Oh, not a kneebar, he had the heel hook but with a different grip but still functionally a heel hook. Slick stuff.
OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Kody Steele via Submission, heel hook, at 3:56 of Round 1
The First Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Steele for his work. Mic time for Steele, he’s been waiting for his UFC win forever and finally got it so he feels great. He knew the win was important, then to close he asks the crowd to boo his training partner Vince Morales who’ll be out here later. Oh, not done, and he talks us through the finish to close.
Finish located HERE.
Jonathan Micallef is on a four fight winning streak including being 2-0 in the UFC, he’s still building and is looking for another win here to solidify his foundation then begin moving from prospect to contender. Themba Gorimbo has gone 4-3 in the UFC but he’s on a two fight losing streak and really needs to halt that skid here if he wants to make a push in the division. It’s not surprising to see Micallef as the favorite at -225 while a Gorimbo win pays out at +185.
Welterweight Bout: Themba Gorimbo (14-6, 171 lbs.) vs. Jonathan Micallef (9-1, 170 lbs.)
ROUND ONE: Gorimbo is an inch taller but the reach is identical, Micallef is also 8 years younger. Southpaw for Micallef. Micallef pressures forward as both men feint a bit. Gorimbo shows a few kicks. Body kick from Micallef, Gorimbo counters with a right hand. They tie up then Gorimbo pushes things to the fence then they break after a bit with nothing really happening. Inside calf kick from Gorimbo, Micallef then returns it. Gorimbo lands a right hand, Micallef doesn’t have much head movement. Another right hand from Gorimbo. Micallef lands a left hand then they clinch again. A few knees go back and forth while they jockey for position. Eventually Micallef hits an inside trip and gets on top in full guard. Micallef postures up and drops some punches and elbows. Gorimbo tries a kuro kuro style sweep but Micallef stays on top. Micallef moves to the ride position as Gorimbo wall walks. They break and Micallef throws a high kick then both men miss punches as the round ends.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Micallef but could go either way
ROUND TWO: Gorimbo comes forward and throws some hooks early, a few land but they wind up clinched. Micallef with some knees in the clinch, Gorimbo tries a takedown and slips around to the back standing. Micallef turns into Gorimbo and then spins him into the fence. Gorimbo defends a single leg, but Micallef is doggedly after it and winds up just kind of pulling things down to the mat and he winds up on his back in full guard. Triangle attempt from Micallef but Gorimbo defends and moves to half guard. Micallef kicks Gorimbo off, Gorimbo just tackles him back down though and gets back on top in half guard. Again Micallef threatens some guard work with wrist control, then he tries to scramble up but Gorimbo gets the back with a body triangle locked up. Micallef fights and turns into Gorimbo then winds up on top in full guard. Some punches from Micallef land, then elbows as well as the round ends.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Gorimbo, 19-19 overall
ROUND THREE: Micallef comes out jabbing for the final round. Bit of a left from Micallef. Bit of a high kick from Micallef. Gorimbo misses a few rights. Inside calf kicks from Gorimbo now. High kick from Micallef bothers Gorimbo for a second. Micallef lands a front kick, Gorimbo then lands a right hand. Double leg from Gorimbo, Micallef immediately bounces up but Gorimbo is on his back now. Micallef turns into Gorimbo and they resume fence fighting. They jockey for position, then Micallef pushes free and lands a high kick. Jab from Micallef. Bit of a left from Micallef. One two from Micallef, then he avoids a right hand. Gorimbo tries a single leg, that hits the fence though and stalls out. Micallef spins Gorimbo and lands knees to the body and leg before landing a couple punches on the break. Another high kick from Micallef partially lands. Left hand from Micallef, he looks to unload along the fence but Gorimbo survives and throws back. Micallef with a few jabs. Combination from Micallef mostly lands. Gorimbo with a right hand then an inside calf kick. Gorimbo tries another takedown but again stalls on the fence. Micallef with a spinning back fist as they break, that mostly landed. Body kick from Micallef. Gorimbo lands a right hand. Micallef with jabs and a front kick, then a bit of a head kick. Micallef misses a head kick then they trade a few punches as the round ends.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Micallef, 29-28 Micallef overall
OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Jonathan Micallef via split decision (28-29, 29-28 x2)
The first round was close enough that 29-28 either way is fine, rounds two and three were fairly easy to score. Mic time for Micallef, he knew he needed the third round but does feel he should have done better overall. Asked about the future he will do whatever the matchmakers want, then he closes sending love to the crowd.
Wes Schultz dropped his UFC debut back in February and now he’s trying to avoid his first losing streak. Ben Johnston brings a four fight winning streak into his UFC debut and he’s hoping to capitalize on his only chance at making a first impression on the audience. The odds are with Johnston at -150 to +125 for Schultz.
Middleweight Bout: Ben Johnston (5-1, 185.5 lbs.) vs. Wes Schultz (8-3, 186 lbs.)
ROUND ONE: Johnston is two and a half inches taller while Schultz has an inch of reach advantage. Southpaw for Johnston and they touch gloves, Schultz tries a takedown but Johnston out scrambles him and gets on top in half guard. Right hand from Johnston. Schultz gets full guard back and looks to tie something up. Johnston pushes things to the fence to stifle Schultz’s offensive guard work then lands a few elbows. Johnston passes to half guard again and swings a few rights. Schultz looks to wrestle up on a single leg, they get upright into a clinch on the fence. Johnston defends and Schultz pulls guard, that’s not good. Johnston passes to half guard again, some fence grabbing from him as well but Schultz wrestles up into a clinch and looks for another takedown. They trade some knees then Schultz pulls half guard, that looked awkward. Johnston with a few punches again. That’s where the round ends.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Johnston
ROUND TWO: They tie up quickly and Schultz hits a knee that drops balances Johnston, then he goes for a guillotine. They roll and Schultz winds up on top looking for a front headlock series, he’s after a d’arce choke but Johnston defends and gets on top in side control. Elbows from Johnston, he tries for the back but slips off and Schultz gets on top in side control now. Johnston to his knees, Schultz tries the back, he slips off though trying for an armbar and Johnston is back on top in full guard. Half guard for Johnston now and he lands an elbow. Schultz tries to tie up a guillotine, he’s really squeezing for it but loses the head position. Right hand from Johnston. Johnston with a few more short elbows but nothing serious. The round ends with Johnston still on top.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Schultz but that one could go the other way, 19-19 overall
ROUND THREE: They touch gloves for the final round. Schultz swings punches, then Johnston shoots a single leg and Schultz grabs a guillotine on the way down. Schultz is really after the choke, he’s trying to shift the grip but Johnston gets free and they fight back upright. Knee from Johnston. A few labored punches from both men, Schultz tries to roll for a leg and Johnston follows him down with an elbow into full guard. Schultz wrestles up and tries another guillotine choke, Johnston is a little trapped by the fence and can’t keep rolling so he winds up tapping.
OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Wes Schultz via Submission, guillotine choke, at 1:50 of Round 3
The Final Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Schultz for his work. Mic time for Schultz, he jokes he’s not good at listening as he coaches were telling him to knock Johnston out. He talks us through the finish and says he can pay off his student loans with this win, unless he was about done with them anyway I think he’s very likely overstating how much he just made.
THERE'S THE TAP
RD 3 submission for Wes Schultz!
📺 @paramountplus pic.twitter.com/S8X1SJuVMl
— UFC on Paramount+ (@UFConParamount) May 2, 2026
Colby Thicknesse has gone 1-1 in the UFC but he is coming off of a win and now looks for his first UFC winning streak. Vince Morales has gone 0-3 since returning to the UFC in 2024, he really needs to halt that skid here or risk getting ousted from the promotion for a second time. Close one here, -140 on Thicknesse to +120 for Morales.
Bantamweight Bout: Vince Morales (16-10, 136 lbs.) vs. Colby Thicknesse (8-1, 135 lbs.)
ROUND ONE: These two are the same height while Morales has an inch of reach advantage, Thicknesse is also 9 years younger. Morales pushes forward with some kicks early. Thicknesse lands an inside leg kick. Both men show kicks, Thicknesse with a counter right hand. Thicknesse avoids a few punches then Morales gets a clinch. Knee and elbow from Thicknesse then he grabs a guillotine choke as Morales gets a takedown against the fence. Thicknesse keeps fishing for that choke but has to bail then wall walks with Morales on his back. Morales tries a spinning back elbow but that’s smothered and Thicknesse jumps for the back, that’s awkward but he winds up trying an armbar and Morales defends then gets on top. Triangle choke from Thicknesse, that’s in and tight against the fence, he switches to an armbar, Morales tries to walk around to escape then gets his legs in play to help defend. Thicknesse with some elbows then he’s switching between triangle and armbar, he drops a few more elbows from the triangle position as he’s working to adjust. Morales is able to escape but Thicknesse sweeps and gets on top in side control. Morales works to wrestle up, Thicknesse keeps him down though then looks for the back. Thicknesse gets one hook in, then threatens the choke but Morales stays calm and counters to get on top in half guard. Arm triangle attack from Morales, Thicknesse blocks that though and the round ends on the mat.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Thicknesse
ROUND TWO: Morales gets back to pressure. Both men land punches in close. Thicknesse lands a body kick, Morales then lands a right hand. Both men with rights. Bit of a front kick from Thicknesse. Both men block some kicks as they move around. Front kick from Thicknesse. Bit of a left from Thicknesse. A few more front kicks from Thicknesse then a body kick and spinning back elbow mostly lands. Thicknesse tries a single leg, that hits the fence and they scramble a bit before Thicknesse slips to the back. Morales is able to slip free and they reset. Bit of a counter right from Thicknesse after he avoided a right. Thicknesse with a front kick. Bit of a right from Morales. Thicknesse lands a body kick, he’s showing southpaw now as he moves around. A couple more left kicks from Thicknesse are the last blows of the round.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Thicknesse but a close one, 20-18 Thicknesse overall
ROUND THREE: Morales resumes walking forward and they trade a few punches. Thicknesse lands a right hand. Inside leg kick from Thicknesse. Morales lands a right hand. A few jabs from Morales into a clinch, Thicknesse lands a knee before they break. Thicknesse lands a body kick. They trade rights. Morales pushes into a clinch and he winds up tossing Thicknesse down but elects not to go down with him and they just reset on the feet. A couple rights from Morales wobble Thicknesse. Right hand from Morales, Thicknesse tries a takedown but Morales sprawls then grabs a front headlock. Morales tries a Peruvian Necktie then moves to the ride. Choke attack from Morales, he’s only got one hook though and Thicknesse is defending. Both hooks in now for Morales and he’s attacking an arm triangle position. Thicknesse is hip to that and defends. Morales gets on top and swings punches as the round ends.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Morales, 29-28 Thicknesse overall
OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Colby Thicknesse via unanimous decision (29-28 x3)
No interview for Thicknesse.
Jacob Malkoun has gone 5-3 in the UFC and is on a two fight winning streak, he’s looking to make a real push at middleweight this year and he needs a win here to catalyze that. Gerald Meerschaert is on a four fight losing streak and missed weight for this fight, never a good thing. Another loss here at his age and with his miles, combined with the weight miss could well spell the end of Meerschaert’s time with the UFC. Malkoun is the biggest favorite on the card at an almost silly -1600 against +900 on Meerschaert.
Middleweight Bout: Jacob Malkoun (9-3, 186 lbs.) vs. Gerald Meerschaert (37-21, 190 lbs.)*
ROUND ONE: Meerschaert is four inches taller with four and a half inches of reach advantage, he’s also 8 years older and missed weight by 5 pounds. Southpaw for Meerschaert. Malkoun moves forward with an active lead hand early. Meerschaert avoids a few punches but he’s getting backed up constantly. Malkoun with a right hand then a left hook. Another right from Malkoun then he hits a takedown against the fence into side control. Meerschaert rolls with a guillotine threat into top position. Half guard for Meerschaert as he’s on top, Malkoun breaks the grip near his neck though. Malkoun scrambles to get full guard and throws a few elbows from his back. Meerschaert passes to half guard. Things are stalling a bit, Malkoun looks to wall walk but Meerschaert keeps him down. Meerschaert goes for another top side guillotine but there’s no time and he never gets that close to finish it as the round ends.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Meerschaert
ROUND TWO: Malkoun backs up Meerschaert again with punches. A few lefts from Malkoun then a one two. Malkoun with some more jabs. Stiff jab from Malkoun. Meerschaert lands a body kick but Malkoun counters with a one two. Double jab from Malkoun. Meerschaert looks quite labored with his punches, like his arms are already dead. Right to the body from Malkoun. Left from Meerschaert mostly lands. Malkoun sprawls from a takedown and Meerschaert pulls guard. Malkoun moves to half guard and lands a hammer fist. Some lefts from Malkoun. Malkoun stands free and makes Meerschaert get up. 30 seconds left and Malkoun with a combination of punches. Bit of a left from Meerschaert. They stare away the final seconds of the round.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Malkoun, 19-19 overall
ROUND THREE: Circling to start the round. Bit of a left hand for Malkoun. Meerschaert lands a body kick. Jab from Malkoun, Meerschaert then lands a left hand. Left hook from Malkoun on the end of a combination. Solid right hand from Malkoun. Meerschaert lands a left hand. Jabs from Malkoun. They trade power hand punches. Malkoun avoid a left hand and gets Meerschaert down into half guard. They wrestle back up into a clinch and Malkoun lands a left hand as they break. Malkoun avoids a takedown and lands a punch. They trade body shots. Left hand from Meerschaert. Malkoun punches into a clinch then pushes free. Stiff jab from Malkoun then he takes Meerschaert down again. Meerschaert attacks a front headlock again and sweeps to top position. Meerschaert is after a top side guillotine but there’s not enough time and Malkoun defends as the round ends.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Malkoun but could go either way, 29-28 Malkoun overall
OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Jacob Malkoun via unanimous decision (29-28 x3)
No interview for Malkoun.
Junior Tafa has gone a paltry 2-5 in the UFC and is on a two fight losing streak, dropping fights to Tuco Tokkos and Billy Elekana if you want the full picture of just how dire things are getting for him. Tafa could very well be fighting for his job here. Kevin Christian dropped his UFC debut last year but now he’s back and looking for that all important first UFC win. The odds are with Tafa at a slightly surprising -205 to a +170 comeback on Christian.
Light Heavyweight Bout: Kevin Christian (9-3, 204 lbs.) vs. Junior Tafa (8-5, 205.5 lbs.)
ROUND ONE: Christian is four inches taller with five inches of reach advantage. They touch gloves to get things going. Bit of a left from Christian then a calf kick. Sweeping left hook from Tafa. Christian keeps showing long range weapons while circling. Tafa misses a few punches. Jab from Christian then a calf kick hurts Tafa’s leg. Tafa tries southpaw for a bit then both men miss punches. Christian lands a calf kick. Tafa pushes off a takedown attempt. Bit of a right from Tafa to counter a calf kick. Christian lands another calf kick, Tafa swings back but that lead leg of his is becoming a problem. Right hand from Tafa, then Christian lands a calf kick. Left hook from Tafa, the winds up pushing Christian over and gets on top then unloads elbows until Christian goes out.
OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Junior Tafa via KO, elbows, at 2:42 of Round 1
The First Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Tafa for his work. Tafa gets an interview after that one, he plays with the crowd then asks for a bonus which means he’s less likely to get it. He admits the calf kicks hurt but a few drinks will kill that pain, then calls out Zhang Mingyang.
JUNIOR TAFA NASTY ELBOWS!!
WHAT A FINISH!!
📺 @paramountplus pic.twitter.com/MgAs44qoOj
— UFC on Paramount+ (@UFConParamount) May 2, 2026
Cam Rowston is on a six fight winning streak including two wins in the UFC, he’s looked like a solid prospect thus far and another win here would pretty much solidify his status in that respect. Robert Bryczek has gone 1-1 in the UFC but he’s coming off of a finish over Brad Tavares, he’s looking for his first UFC winning streak and to start moving towards contender status. Rowston closed at -175 while a Bryczek win pays out at +145.
Middleweight Bout: Robert Bryczek (18-6, 186 lbs.) vs. Cam Rowston (14-3, 185 lbs.)
ROUND ONE: Rowston has three inches of height and reach advantage. Bryczek moves forward early, Rowston circles and looks to keep using long weapons. Bit of a one two from Rowston. Bryczek lands a calf kick. Bit of a right hand from Rowston. Another calf kick from Bryczek, he’s still trying to navigate the distance though. Glancing right hand from Rowston. Bryczek with a left to the body in close. Another calf kick from Bryczek. Bryczek again slips a punch and hits the body a few times. Rowston with a right hand then tries a single leg, he really has to work for it but gets Bryczek down to his seat. Bryczek is nearly on the back though and he moves around into a front headlock and they separate then reset. Bit of a knee from Rowston. Bryczek lands a left hook. Rowston tries another takedown, that hits the fence and he has to work to finish but he does get the double leg into full guard. A few punches land for Rowston as he looks to pass. Bryczek gets butterfly guard, he tries to get movement going but Rowston stays on top and lands an elbow. The round will end on the mat.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Rowston
ROUND TWO: Rowston moves for a pretty quick takedown, that hits the fence and they trade punches on the break. Calf kick from Rowston. Bryczek with a jab but he took an elbow in response. Calf kick from Bryczek. Bryczek slips a punch and lands to the body. Rowston lands a one two, he shoots for a takedown but that hits the fence. Rowston adjust and gets the takedown against the fence into full guard. A few short punches and elbows from Rowston then he passes to half guard. Arm triangle attack from Rowston, the fence is complicating things for him though so he passes to side control and bails on the choke. Some punches from Rowston, Bryczek tries to kick him off but Rowston lands a few more punches now while standing over Bryczek. Rowston goes back into the half guard. A few more punches from Rowston, Bryczek needs to wall walk but he can’t get height given the frame of Rowston. Rowston with a few elbows now. Rowston is just all over Bryczek with strikes as the round ends.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Rowston, 20-18 Rowston overall
ROUND THREE: Front kick from Rowston then a few long range punches. Body kick from Rowston. Knee from Rowston then he hits a takedown into half guard. Rowston with strikes, Bryczek looks to roll for a leg but gets stuck under Rowston in the ride. Bryczek rolls and gets guard back but he’s getting overwhelmed here. Rowston with some punches then he passes to half guard briefly before Bryczek gets full guard back. Arm triangle attack from Rowston, he just uses it to pass to side control. Bryczek rolls to turtle but Rowston easily flows into the ride to land punches. Heel hook attack from Bryczek, Rowston spins free and throws more punches and elbows from full mount as the round ends but Bryczek will see out the round.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Rowston, 30-27 Rowston overall
OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Cam Rowston via unanimous decision (30-27 x3)
Mic time for Rowston despite us being over time, he is happy with the win then thanks Bryczek for taking the fight and giving him a tough fight. Asked about the future he calls out Marvin Vettori, which seems quite reasonable actually pending the outcome of Vettori’s fight next month.
Tai Tuivasa has gone 8-9 in the UFC and is on a six fight losing streak, if he wants to avoid contending with Tony Ferguson and BJ Penn for longest losing streaks ever he needs to win here. I mean he’s already got the longest losing streak in UFC heavyweight history, unless he wants to add to that somewhat ignoble distinction a win here is absolutely paramount. Louie Sutherland has gone 0-2 in the UFC and really needs to find that first UFC win here if he wants some job security. I’m a little surprised the odds aren’t closer but they like Tuivasa at -225 to Sutherland’s +185.
Heavyweight Bout: Louie Sutherland (10-5, 261 lbs.) vs. Tai Tuivasa (14-9, 265 lbs.)
ROUND ONE: Sutherland has an inch of height and reach over Tuivasa. They touch gloves to get things going. A little bit of feinting from both men. Calf kick from Sutherland. Sutherland tries a single leg, that stalls on the fence though. Tuivasa takes a knee and right hand but does slip out of the clinch. Right hand from Sutherland then a double leg. Tuivasa scoots to the fence and looks to wall walk, he’s half going for a guillotine, he uses it to get upright into a clinch. Elbow from Tuivasa then he misses a left hook as they break. Tuivasa lands a calf kick then avoids a takedown. Spinning elbow from Sutherland and a knee but Tuivasa just eats them. Tuivasa sprawls and lands punches from a ride but Sutherland with a nice fat man roll into top position and he gets on top in full mount. It takes a second but Tuivasa shrimps to half guard. Sutherland drops a few short elbows while keeping top position. Tuivasa is trying to shrimp a bit but he’s kind of stuck. Sutherland’s elbows aren’t exactly compelling but he’s trying to stay active with offense. Some more punches to the body and head from Sutherland as the round ends.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Sutherland
ROUND TWO: Sutherland gets back to circling then lands a calf kick. Tuivasa sprawls away from a takedown then lands a knee while holding a front headlock on the fence. Sutherland keeps Tuivasa on the fence and trips Tuivasa down. Sutherland to the ride, but Tuivasa wall walks only to get dumped back down and Sutherland gets on top in side control. Tuivasa gets half guard, Sutherland lands some small blows and the ref warns him to stay active. A few more short elbows from Sutherland then he moves to full mount. Sutherland with some punches then he grabs an arm triangle but Tuivasa blocks it. Tuivasa has shrimped back to half guard but Sutherland drops hammer fists and punches. Sutherland moves to the ride and then takes Tuivasa back down against the fence. Sutherland back to the ride and he lands punches to the head then grabs at a choke but Tuivasa defends that. A few more rights from Sutherland land then he tries a guillotine version as the round ends.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Sutherland, 20-18 Sutherland overall
ROUND THREE: They touch gloves for the final round. Both men poke out a few jabs. Leg kick from Sutherland. Calf kick from Sutherland, that one bothered Tuivasa a bit but he still sprawls only to get tripped when they wrestled up and Sutherland is back on top in side control. Sutherland moves towards leg drag and lands a few elbows. Tuivasa tries to scramble, he grabs the head then tries to use that to get a roll going but Sutherland stalls that out. Some more short elbows from Sutherland land. Tuivasa tries to wrestle up on a single leg, Sutherland hits the body then moves to the ride again. Sutherland pushes Tuivasa over and gets on top in half guard. Sutherland looks to pass, but Tuivasa blocks it so Sutherland lands punches. Some more lefts from Sutherland, he’s got the bottom leg of Tuivasa turked and that’s really stifling his get ups. A few more lefts from Sutherland land, but the ref stands them up. I’m OK with that stand up. They clinch, and Sutherland pulls half guard. There’s only 30 seconds left. Tuivasa lands some punches as he moves to the ride, Sutherland then rolls and sweeps to get on top in side control. Tuivasa landed a very illegal knee to the head of Sutherland in that scramble and the ref’s taking a point which is very fair as the round ends.
SCORECARD: 10-8 Sutherland after the point deduction, 30-26 Sutherland overall
OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Louie Sutherland via unanimous decision (30-26 x3)
Mic time for Sutherland, he plays with the crowd a bit then says he’s done a big 360 which would mean no change. He did take this fight on two weeks notice, he just loves fighting and knows he can win in the UFC. He wants Marcin Tybura in Serbia, which is a location the UFC announced last week. Tybura might be a bridge too far for him but Tybura’s also long in the tooth so who knows.
Shamil Gaziev has gone 3-2 in the UFC, which is enough to get ranked at heavyweight, but he did most recently get finished by Waldo Cortes-Acosta and now he’s trying to defend his ranking from a younger fighter. Brando Pericic is on a four fight winning streak including being 2-0 in the UFC, now he’s getting a step up in class but a win over a ranked opponent here would likely move him into the top 15. This one closed as a -110 pick ’em.
Heavyweight Bout: #14 Shamil Gaziev (14-2, 264 lbs.) vs. Brando Pericic (6-1, 265 lbs.)
ROUND ONE: Pericic has an inch of height and reach on Gaziev. Gaziev moves forward and avoids a high kick but eats a calf kick. Pericic lands punches, they trade in close then Gaziev hits a takedown against the fence. Pericic looks to wall walk, he’s able to get up with Gaziev holding the back. Not much happening here and eventually the ref gets involved to break them up. Fair separation. Both men swing rights. Combination from Pericic then a calf kick. They both swing punches then Pericic lands a left to the body and a leg kick. That variety of targeting is helping, and Pericic unloads he’s got Gaziev hurt. Pericic with more punches, Gaziev grabs a clinch though to slow things down again. Gaziev is bleeding from all those punches. The ref warns Gaziev about stalling, he just stalls anyway and the ref breaks them up. Bit of a high kick from Pericic. They trade punches in close. Pericic lands a calf kick. Stiff jabs from Pericic then Gaziev hurts him with an uppercut. Uppercut from Pericic and they just brawl a bit but neither man will fall yet. Rights go back and forth then they clinch again as the round ends.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Pericic
ROUND TWO: Both men look pretty tired as the round starts. Leg kick and jab from Pericic. They get back to slugging at each other. Pericic jabs the body. Left hook from Pericic to counter a jab. Pericic with a couple of calf kicks then a body jab. They split a few jabs while Gaziev just kind of keeps lumbering forward. Pericic jabs the body again. Body kick from Pericic then a right hand. Jabs from Pericic, Gaziev then lands a one two. Pericic lands a left hook then a right hand. Gaziev’s chin is kind of nuts. Hard right from Pericic, he’s trying to club Gaziev down but Gaziev wont fall. Some up and down jabs from Pericic then a calf kick. They split jabs and rights, defense is not a thing here. Hard one two from Pericic. Pericic with another combination then a knee but Gaziev, like the blob he is, pushes things to the fence and looks to resume stalling. Things are in fact stalling and the ref separates them after a bit. They get back to poking punches back and forth. Hard right from Pericic wobbles Gaziev, another right finally drops Gaziev and that’s enough to get the ref to step in.
OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Brando Pericic via KO, punches, at 3:44 of Round 2
Mic time for Pericic, he wants a bonus and given Dana White’s love of sloppy heavyweights he might get it. He says he’ll knockout everyone in the division all the way to the top. Asked about the future he’ll fight anyone but really wants on the upcoming Serbian card as he’s got family roots in Croatia and that’s pretty close.
PERICIC KNOCKS OUT GAZIEV
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— UFC on Paramount+ (@UFConParamount) May 2, 2026
Marwan Rahiki is undefeated including his UFC debut win over Harry Hardwick almost a year ago, he was supposed to fight Jack Jenkins here but an impressive win over a late notice replacement opponent will serve just as well to getting him through the usually poor Contender Series contracts. Ollie Schmid took this fight on short notice but has the chance to score a big win in his home country. Given the circumstances it’s not surprising to see Rahiki as a heavy -625 favorite while Schmid’s odds sit at +450.
Featherweight Bout: Marwan Rahiki (8-0, 146 lbs.) vs. Oliver Schmid (4-2, 145.5 lbs.)
ROUND ONE: Schmid is four inches taller while Rahiki has an inch of reach advantage. Both men with some feinting as they circle to start. Schmid lands a calf kick, Rahiki returns it. Rahiki avoids a few kicks then lands a spinning back kick. Schmid shows some stance switching while moving around. Lots of pressure from Rahiki and he lands a calf kick. Schmid misses a couple of punches. Calf kick from Rahiki, I’m also calling BS on the height for one of these guys they’re pretty much the same height so one of them is wildly inaccurate. A few body jabs from Schmid as he’s trying to get things going. Front kick and right hand from Rahiki. Right hand from Rahiki. Another right from Rahiki then a left hook that drops Schmid and a few more punches on the mat get the stoppage.
OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Marwan Rahiki via TKO, punches, at 2:47 of Round 1
The First Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Rahiki for his work. The commercial break runs over the actual announcement, because ads are more important than the product I guess? We come back to Rahiki with some Arabic then he talks us through the finish.
QUICK WORK FOR MARWAN RAHIKI
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— UFC on Paramount+ (@UFConParamount) May 2, 2026
Tim Elliott has been a bit up and down in the UFC but he’s had a long career and most recently is on a two fight winning streak with submission wins over Sumudaerji and Kai Asakura. Elliott is technically ranked higher here but a win could get him closer to another crack at the flyweight title he previously fought for. Steve Erceg fought for the flyweight title back in 2024 in a losing effort and only recently broke a three fight losing streak by managing to out wrestle Ode Osbourne, now he’s looking for his first winning streak since 2024 and to also climb back towards the title picture. The odds started much wider than this but closed at -180 for Erceg and +150 for Elliott.
Flyweight Bout: #11 Tim Elliott (21-13-1, 126 lbs.) vs. #12 Steve Erceg (13-4, 125.5 lbs.)
ROUND ONE: Erceg is an inch taller with two inches of reach advantage, Elliott is 9 years older. Elliott with forward pressure and side kicks early then a bit of a spinning back kick. Erceg misses a punch, but fights off a takedown and both men land punches in close. Bit of a body kick from Elliott. Counter right from Erceg. Bit of a one two from Erceg. Calf kick from Elliott. Both men land lefts in close. Bit of an overhand left from Elliott. Erceg with a few jabs, he’s trying to line up a right hand but hasn’t found an angle he likes I guess. Elliott tries to throw some elbows but that falls short. A few jabs go back and forth. Left hand from Elliott. Both men land punches in close. Double left from Elliott mostly lands. Erceg with a bit of a right hand. Looping left from Elliott bothers Erceg for a moment but he recovers quickly. Counter right from Erceg lands. Elliott with a front kick. Calf kick from Elliott. Erceg lands a right hand, Elliott punches forward then hits a knee tap. Pretty quick wall walk from Erceg but he eats a knee then throws a right hand. Erceg just misses a head kick. Left hand from Elliott into a double leg and he lands in side control. That’s where the round will end.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Erceg but could go either way
ROUND TWO: Bit of a spinning elbow from Elliott. Erceg with a right hand. Another right from Erceg. Elliott lands a left hand. Left hook from Erceg. Elliott with some more front kicks. Erceg with jabs then Elliott lands a calf kick. Counter right from Erceg, he’s getting a read on Elliott’s upper body movement now. Both men land lefts in the pocket. Right hand then a left hook from Erceg. Double leg from Elliott, quick wall walk from Erceg and Elliott holds his back. Elbow from Elliott as they separate. Elliott avoids a takedown then they trade punches in close again. Left hook from Erceg in close then they trade elbows in a brief clinch. Elliott lands a body kick then a calf kick. Erceg lands a right hand then hits a takedown into full guard. Quick move from Elliott, he wrestles up and gets Erceg down. Erceg wall walks and separates right away then lands a right hand. Both men land blows in close. Elbow from Elliott then Erceg lands a couple of rights. Elliott tries a single leg, he winds up nearly getting the back and they scramble around then wind up back upright and separate. Clean punches from Erceg land then a knee. They trade in close as the round ends.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Erceg, 20-18 Erceg overall
ROUND THREE: If Erceg actually had power he’d have had Elliott in trouble last round. Both men pick up where they left off. Erceg with jabs then a one two. Elliott lands a left hand then a calf kick. Erceg with a few more jabs. Left hand from Elliott but he’s getting touched up in boxing range consistently. Erceg just keeps landing jabs then fires a head kick which mostly lands. One two from Erceg. Elliott fights off a takedown but Erceg lands a right hand. Erceg with a combination of punches, man if he had any power he’d be ruining Elliott. Body to head punches from Erceg now, he’s really flowing. Double leg from Elliott but he can’t control anything and they just reset on the feet. Right hand from Erceg. More jabs from Erceg. Elliott falls short with punches. Elbows from Elliott in close but he took punches from Erceg for that. One two from Erceg. Elliott tries a takedown, Erceg defends then lands a body kick to basically end the round.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Erceg, 30-27 Erceg overall
OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Steve Erceg via unanimous decision (29-28 x3)
No issues with Elliott getting the first. Mic time for Erceg, he knew Elliott would be weird but he could beat him with clean work and after the first round he really found the timing. He puts over Australia and plays with the crowd to close.
Beneil Dariush has been with the UFC since 2014, in fact his 12 year anniversary was back in January, and during that time he’s fought some of the very best the sport has to offer. He’s also had some very good fights but the years and miles have been catching up to him recently, Dariush is just 1-3 in his last four fights and most recently lost to Benoit Saint Denis. While Dariush is certainly close to the end of his career he’s likely still looking for a few more feel good moments to ease the pain of retirement. Quillan Salkilld is on a 10 fight winning streak including four wins in the UFC, he’s looking for the biggest win of his career here but a win over a respected veteran like Dariush would help make the move from prospect to contender. Salkilld is a pretty notable favorite at -400 to +310 for Dariush.
Lightweight Bout: #12 Beneil Dariush (23-7-1, 156 lbs.) vs. Quillan Salkilld (11-1, 156 lbs.)
ROUND ONE: Salkilld is two inches taller, has three inches of reach advantage, and is a full decade younger. Southpaw for Dariush and they touch gloves. Both men probe with the power side, bit of a cut kick from Dariush. Body kick from Dariush then left hand drops Salkilld briefly, Salkilld fights up into a clinch on the fence. Dariush with a high crotch lift, but Salkilld quickly wall walks with Dariush on his back. Outside trip from Dariush but he can’t keep Salkilld down, though Salkilld is struggling to get separating. Dariush slips to the back again, then looks for a level change and gets Salkilld down against the fence. Again Salkilld wall walks into a clinch. They jockey for position along the fence, Dariush looks for a single leg but Salkilld is defending. Dariush misses an elbow as they break, then both men swing and Salkilld drops Dariush with a right hand. A few more rights from Salkilld on the mat get the stoppage.
OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Quillan Salkilld via TKO, punches, at 3:29 of Round 1
The First Round Finish Club thanks Mr. Salkilld for his work. Mic time for Salkilld and he knew he’d have to wrestle but Dariush was strong early and they had a good little scrap. He talks us through the finish, sort of, then when asked about the future he wants Mateusz Gamrot. Pretty big step up there for him if that’s where they go. To close he plays with the crowd and pimps an after party.
SALKILLD STOPS DARIUSH IN THE 1ST RD!!!
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— UFC on Paramount+ (@UFConParamount) May 2, 2026
Jack Della Maddalena is the former welterweight champion, he just had an absurd 18 fight winning streak broken when he lost the title to the great Islam Makhachev though. Now if he wants to get back to the title picture another loss here would be a pretty serious set back. Carlos Prates has gone 6-1 in the UFC with all of those wins being finishes and the lone loss being to top contender Ian Garry. Prates as last seen violently knocking out former champion Leon Edwards and if he can add another former champion to his resume he’ll be in prime position to challenge for the title. Close main event this time technically a pick ’em at -115 on Prates to -105 for Della Maddalena.
Welterweight Bout: #1 Jack Della Maddalena (18-3, 170 lbs.) vs. #5 Carlos Prates (23-7, 170 lbs.)
ROUND ONE: Prates is two inches taller with five inches of reach advantage. Southpaw for Prates, Della Maddalena does switching but opens southpaw. Both men probe a bit with long range weapons. Prates shows the jab then lands a calf kick. Della Maddalena looks to work forward, he avoids a few strikes then hits the body. Jab from Prates. Della Maddalena blocks a few punches then Prates lands a calf kick, then Della Maddalena lands a left to the body. Bit of a one two from Prates, Della Maddalena blocked those but still got displaced. Left hand from Prates. Prates lands a calf kick, Della Maddalena returns it. Another calf kick from Della Maddalena. They trade calf kicks again. Short right from Prates. Jab from Prates, Della Maddalena’s guard is high so far and doing work. Calf kick from Prates then a body kick as Della Maddalena showed orthodox. Della Maddalena punches the body in close. Bit of a calf kick from Prates. Prates lands a body kick. Della Maddalena doing more out of orthodox now. One two from Prates then a stepping knee, Della Maddalena just eats it but that isn’t sustainable. Bit of a knee from Prates. Left hand then a right from Prates. Another knee from Prates then Della Maddalena hits a takedown against the fence into full guard. That’s where the round will end.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Prates
ROUND TWO: Prates opens with a body kick. Della Maddalena lands a leg kick. Short left from Della Maddalena. Prates avoids a calf kick. Jab from Prates. Stepping knee up top from Prates, Della Maddalena eats it then lands a calf kick. They split some jabs then Prates lands a left hand. Della Maddalena tries a takedown, he gets it against the fence then jumps the back but Prates slings him over the top and they reset on the feet. Prates with a jab then tomahawk elbow that partially lands. High knee from Prates is blocked but he lands a one two. Bit of a right hook from Della Maddalena. Left to the body from Prates. Bit of a front kick up high from Prates. Della Maddalena keeps coming forward and lands a nice left uppercut. Della Maddalena tries a takedown, that turns into a clinch on the fence. Prates is able to spin free fairly quickly then lands a calf kick. Della Maddalena hits the body but Prates backs him off with a one two. One two from Prates then a knee that backs up Della Maddalena. Prates on the hunt now with punches and that wicked left knee. They trade along the fence, Della Maddalena isn’t going away quietly that’s for sure. Prates with a few jabs. Calf kick from Prates, Della Maddalena didn’t like that one and goes orthodox for a second. Bit of a knee from Prates, then another one and Della Maddalena blocks a left hand. Tomahawk elbow from Prates then a spinning elbow partially lands. A calf kick drops Della Maddalena just before the round ends.
SCORECARD: 10-9 Prates, 20-18 Prates overall
ROUND THREE: They touch gloves, Della Maddalena opens orthodox this round. Bit of a body kick from Prates. Prates fires a one two, he’s happy to hit the guard at this point with his power. Knee from Prates. Della Maddalena tries a takedown and gets to the back standing but Prates turns into him and then gets free. Body kick from Prates then a knee. Della Maddalena is cut around the right eyebrow. High knee from Prates but Della Maddalena guts through it. Prates shows the jab again then lands a left hand. Head kick from Prates drops Della Maddalena briefly. Elbow from Prates drops Della Maddalena and he makes him stand back up. Della Maddalena avoids a wicked tomahawk elbow. Another knee and elbows from Prates into a clinch. They break and Prates drops Della Maddalena with calf kicks. Prates goes down and unloads some elbows, Della Maddalena can just cover up and the ref has to step in.
OFFICIAL RESULT: †WINNER – Carlos Prates via TKO, leg kicks and elbows, at 3:17 of Round 3
That was the best Prates has looked, methodical and brutal from start to finish. Mic time for Prates, he puts over his team and his family who came here to support him including his mother. He calls in his daughter and mentions the 40 hours of travel to get here. He respects Della Maddalena but this is business, and he feels like Australia is a second home since he’s got a daughter who lives here. Pretty clearly he calls for a title shot next, then says he always looks for war and couldn’t disappoint everyone who came here to watch a great fight. He puts over Della Maddalena’s boxing but this isn’t just boxing and since he could knee and kick he felt he could win, then reiterates he wants a title shot next and mentions Brazil never having a welterweight champion before. To close he speaks Portuguese for the Brazilians watching.
PRATES FINISHES JDM!!!
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— UFC on Paramount+ (@UFConParamount) May 2, 2026
Well on that note UFC Fight Night: Della Maddalena vs. Prates comes to a close. We’ll be unpacking all the fallout from this event on the 411 Ground and Pound MMA Podcast, plus looking ahead to UFC 328 with two title fights. I’ll be back next week for that event and I hope you will too. Until next time then, thank you all for reading whether it was live or after the fact, stay safe out there and keep checking 411mania for all of your pop culture needs.
