UFC Perth delivered an unforgettable night of action, and the bonus money flowed as freely as the energy in the RAC Arena. With four fighters taking home an extra $100,000 and four more earning $25,000 for their finishes, it was a payday to remember for the athletes who stepped up Down Under.
The main event was pure destruction. Carlos Prates (24-7 MMA, 7-1 UFC) came in with a promise to make a statement, and he delivered in spectacular fashion. He dismantled former welterweight champion Jack Della Maddalena (18-4 MMA, 8-2 UFC) with a vicious third-round TKO that had the crowd roaring. After the win, Prates didn't hold back, calling for a title shot once Islam Makhachev settles things with Ian Machado Garry later this year.
In the co-main event, local hero Quillan Salkilld (12-1 MMA, 5-0 UFC) gave the Perth faithful something to cheer about. It looked like veteran Beneil Dariush (23-8-1 MMA, 17-8-1 UFC) might test him early, but Salkilld found his groove and put Dariush away with punches along the fence. This marked his fourth bonus in five fights—and it came just 10 minutes from his home. A true home delivery worth $100,000.
Brando Pericic (7-1 MMA, 3-0 UFC) showed incredible grit, going to war with the relentless Shamil Gaziev (14-3 MMA, 3-3 UFC). Gaziev plodded forward like a zombie, refusing to go away, but Pericic finally put him down with a second-round TKO.
Marwan Rahiki (9-0 MMA, 2-0 UFC) took full advantage of a short-notice opportunity. Facing Oliver Schmid (4-3 MMA, 0-1 UFC), who stepped in on just four days' notice, Rahiki stayed unbeaten with a first-round TKO that showcased his sharp striking.
Junior Tafa (7-5 MMA, 3-5 UFC) made a statement at light heavyweight, earning his first win in the division after dropping down from heavyweight. He made quick work of Kevin Christian (9-4 MMA, 0-2 UFC) with a first-round TKO, snapping a two-fight skid.
Wes Schultz (9-3 MMA, 1-1 UFC) showed incredible heart on the prelims. Down two rounds on two of the three judges' scorecards against newcomer Ben Johnston (5-2 MMA, 0-1 UFC), Schultz rallied for a third-round submission to secure his first UFC win.
And Kody Steele (8-1 MMA, 1-1 UFC) opened the prelims with a bang, earning his first UFC victory in memorable fashion against DomMar Fan (9-3 MMA, 1-1 UFC).
From hometown heroes to comeback kings, UFC Perth was a night where every fighter earned their stripes—and their bonuses.