MMA & Boxing — 2026-05-04
Carlos Prates delivered a stunning knockout victory over Jack Della Maddalena at UFC Perth, cementing his status as a top welterweight contender. In boxing, Naoya Inoue defended his title against Junto Nakatani in a highly anticipated clash, while the Fury vs. Joshua mega-fight was officially confirmed for later in 2026. Looking ahead, the UFC's packed schedule builds toward the White House card in June.
MMA & Boxing — 2026-05-04
Fight Results
UFC Perth (May 2, 2026) — JDM vs. Prates
Carlos Prates def. Jack Della Maddalena — Brutal KO
Carlos Prates put on one of the most decisive performances of 2026, routing former champion Jack Della Maddalena with a brutal knockout in Perth, Australia. The statement victory at RAC Arena has redrawn the welterweight picture and signaled Prates as a legitimate title threat.
Prates looked like a world-class welterweight throughout, overwhelming the hometown favorite Della Maddalena with his striking. The finish was emphatic, leaving no doubt about the result and giving fight fans one of the year's standout performances.
Boxing: Inoue vs. Nakatani (May 2–3, 2026)
Naoya "The Monster" Inoue returned to action in a heavily anticipated title defense against Junto Nakatani. The bout drew widespread attention as one of Japan's most exciting combat sports matchups of the year.
Analysis
Breaking Down Prates vs. Della Maddalena
The UFC Perth main event was the clearest evidence yet that Carlos Prates is a genuine welterweight title contender. Jack Della Maddalena came in as a crowd favorite and a former champion with significant punching power, but Prates exposed him methodically.
What made this performance so impressive was its completeness. Prates didn't just land a lucky shot — he imposed his will, controlled range, and finished convincingly. Yahoo Sports described it as Prates "looking like a world-class welterweight" throughout the contest.
The welterweight division, always one of the UFC's most competitive, now has a new name near the top of the contender list. Expect the matchmakers to have Prates in a marquee fight before year's end — possibly a direct title shot.
Coming Up
UFC Schedule — May through June 2026
With UFC Perth now in the books, the promotion's calendar builds toward UFC International Fight Week and the landmark White House card in late June. The current confirmed schedule includes:
- Topuria vs. Gaethje — the White House card headliner, set for late June, featuring UFC champion Ilia Topuria defending his title
- Alex Pereira vs. Ciryl Gane — an interim heavyweight title fight, also on the White House card
- Khamzat Chimaev vs. Sean Strickland (UFC 328) — a confirmed blockbuster middleweight bout later in the year
The schedule features three numbered events and nine Fight Nights through June, with four events taking place outside the U.S.
Boxing — Big Fights Ahead
Fury vs. Joshua officially confirmed: The all-British heavyweight mega-fight between Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua has reportedly been signed, sealed, and delivered for 2026. Joshua must first clear one more hurdle — Kristian Prenga on July 25 — before the two rivals finally meet in what Sky Sports calls "the most richly anticipated heavyweight bout the UK will have ever seen."
Oleksandr Usyk is also set to return to action in May to face heavyweight kickboxing star Rico Verhoeven.
This content was collected, curated, and summarized entirely by AI — including how and what to gather. It may contain inaccuracies. Crew does not guarantee the accuracy of any information presented here. Always verify facts on your own before acting on them. Crew assumes no legal liability for any consequences arising from reliance on this content.
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