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	<title>ufc Stories - newsnz</title>
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	<description>Latest news from New Zealand in English: politics, business, world, technology, sport, and lifestyle.</description>
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	<title>ufc Stories - newsnz</title>
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		<title>Quillan Salkilld shines with knockout victory in UFC Perth</title>
		<link>https://news-nz.co.nz/2026/05/03/quillan-salkilld/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Oliver Bennett]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Sun, 03 May 2026 08:07:24 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Trending]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Australia]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[knockout]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[lightweight division]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[MMA]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[quillan salkilld]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[ufc]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://news-nz.co.nz/2026/05/03/quillan-salkilld/</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Quillan Salkilld knocked out Beneil Dariush in the first round at UFC Perth, marking a significant milestone in his MMA career.</p>
<p>Сообщение <a href="https://news-nz.co.nz/2026/05/03/quillan-salkilld/">Quillan Salkilld shines with knockout victory in UFC Perth</a> появились сначала на <a href="https://news-nz.co.nz">newsnz</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Quillan Salkilld continues his rise in the UFC with a <strong>first-round knockout</strong> of veteran Beneil Dariush at UFC Perth on May 2, 2026. This victory not only highlights Salkilld&#8217;s skills but also solidifies his status as one of the top contenders in the lightweight division.</p>
<p>Salkilld’s impressive win came just 3 minutes and 29 seconds into the fight. Despite being knocked down by a jab just 23 seconds into the contest, he quickly recovered and delivered a decisive blow that ended the match.</p>
<p>With this victory, Salkilld improves his professional MMA record to <strong>12 wins and 1 loss</strong>. His recent performances have garnered attention, especially after submitting Jamie Mullarkey in his previous fight.</p>
<p>Beneil Dariush, now 36 years old, has faced challenges recently, having been stopped by strikes in multiple fights. He was previously outpointed by Renato Moicano at UFC 317, raising questions about his future in the sport.</p>
<p>Salkilld expressed confidence heading into the fight, saying, &#8220;I knew he was going to wrestle; I was excited to do some of the wrestling exchanges.&#8221; His ability to adapt under pressure showcases his growth as a fighter.</p>
<p>This knockout victory places Salkilld firmly on the radar of MMA fans and analysts alike. He is regarded as one of Oceania&#8217;s brightest prospects in MMA, and many are eager to see how he will navigate the competitive landscape ahead.</p>
<p>Looking forward, it remains unclear what Salkilld’s next steps will be. The lightweight division is stacked with talent, and opportunities for title shots may arise soon.</p>
<p>Сообщение <a href="https://news-nz.co.nz/2026/05/03/quillan-salkilld/">Quillan Salkilld shines with knockout victory in UFC Perth</a> появились сначала на <a href="https://news-nz.co.nz">newsnz</a>.</p>
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		<title>Steve Erceg Wins at UFC Perth</title>
		<link>https://news-nz.co.nz/2026/05/03/steve-erceg-wins-at-ufc-perth/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Daniel Wilson]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Sun, 03 May 2026 08:07:23 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Trending]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[combat sports]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[flyweight division]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[mixed martial arts]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[steve erceg]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[ufc]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[unanimous decision]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://news-nz.co.nz/2026/05/03/steve-erceg-wins-at-ufc-perth/</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Steve Erceg's recent victory at UFC Perth positions him for potential higher-ranked matchups in the flyweight division. His performance showcased skill and determination.</p>
<p>Сообщение <a href="https://news-nz.co.nz/2026/05/03/steve-erceg-wins-at-ufc-perth/">Steve Erceg Wins at UFC Perth</a> появились сначала на <a href="https://news-nz.co.nz">newsnz</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>On <strong>May 2, 2026</strong>, Steve Erceg achieved a significant victory at UFC Perth, defeating Tim Elliott by unanimous decision with all judges scoring it 29-28. This win on home turf could pave the way for Erceg to face higher-ranked competitors in the flyweight division.</p>
<p>Both fighters entered the octagon riding winning streaks, adding to the excitement of the match. The fight showcased a gripping back-and-forth dynamic, with Erceg effectively landing counter punches that proved pivotal.</p>
<p>Erceg&#8217;s striking volume increased notably in the third round, allowing him to secure the judges&#8217; favor. This performance marks his second consecutive victory, following a previous win against Ode Osbourne.</p>
<p><strong>Key facts from the fight:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>Erceg defeated Elliott by unanimous decision (29-28).</li>
<li>Both fighters were on winning streaks prior to this matchup.</li>
<li>Erceg&#8217;s last victory was against Ode Osbourne, while Elliott had defeated Kai Asakura.</li>
</ul>
<p>After the fight, observers noted that Erceg&#8217;s standout performance not only bolstered his career but also demonstrated his capability to rise in the competitive flyweight landscape. His victory might open doors to matchups against more prominent contenders.</p>
<p>The local crowd cheered as Erceg reflected on his win, stating it was a &#8220;much-needed victory at home.&#8221; Fans and analysts alike are eager to see how this success will influence his trajectory within the UFC.</p>
<p>Сообщение <a href="https://news-nz.co.nz/2026/05/03/steve-erceg-wins-at-ufc-perth/">Steve Erceg Wins at UFC Perth</a> появились сначала на <a href="https://news-nz.co.nz">newsnz</a>.</p>
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		<title>Australia: Carlos Prates Dominates UFC Fight Night in</title>
		<link>https://news-nz.co.nz/2026/05/03/australia-carlos-prates-dominates-ufc-fight-night-in/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Emily Fraser]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Sun, 03 May 2026 07:59:25 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Trending]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Australia]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Carlos Prates]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Jack Della Maddalena]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[knockout]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[mixed martial arts]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[ufc]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[welterweight title]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://news-nz.co.nz/2026/05/03/australia-carlos-prates-dominates-ufc-fight-night-in/</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Carlos Prates showcased his skills at UFC Fight Night in Perth, Australia, defeating Jack Della Maddalena and positioning himself for a title shot.</p>
<p>Сообщение <a href="https://news-nz.co.nz/2026/05/03/australia-carlos-prates-dominates-ufc-fight-night-in/">Australia: Carlos Prates Dominates UFC Fight Night in</a> появились сначала на <a href="https://news-nz.co.nz">newsnz</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>&#8220;I can punch, I can knee, I can kick … so I’m better, and now I feel like I’m the number one contender,&#8221; proclaimed <strong>Carlos Prates</strong> after his decisive victory at UFC Fight Night in <strong>Perth, Australia</strong>, on May 3, 2026.</p>
<p>Prates dominated the fight against <strong>Jack Della Maddalena</strong>, knocking him down four times. This performance not only improved Prates’ record to 24-7, with an impressive 19 wins by knockout (KO), but also put him in line for a potential welterweight title shot.</p>
<p>Della Maddalena, aged 29 and known for his striking prowess, saw his record drop to 18-4 with 12 KOs after this bout. The fight showcased the skills of both fighters but ultimately highlighted Prates&#8217; superior technique and power.</p>
<p><strong>Key fight statistics:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>Carlos Prates knocked down Jack Della Maddalena four times during their match.</li>
<li>This victory marks Prates&#8217; third consecutive win.</li>
<li>Della Maddalena suffered his fourth career loss.</li>
</ul>
<p>The event also featured other notable matches. <strong>Quillan Salkilld</strong> triumphed over <strong>Beneil Dariush</strong> by first-round TKO, while <strong>Steve Erceg</strong> secured a unanimous decision against <strong>Tim Elliott</strong>. Additionally, <strong>Marwan Rahiki</strong> won by TKO against <strong>Ollie Schmid</strong>, and <strong>Brando Pericic</strong> knocked out <strong>Shamil Gaziev</strong>.</p>
<p>The excitement doesn’t stop here. Prates has set his sights on the winner of the upcoming welterweight title fight between <strong>Islam Makhachev</strong> and <strong>Ian Machado Makhachev</strong>. Fans eagerly await this next chapter in his career, as he aims to claim the title he feels he deserves.</p>
<p>Сообщение <a href="https://news-nz.co.nz/2026/05/03/australia-carlos-prates-dominates-ufc-fight-night-in/">Australia: Carlos Prates Dominates UFC Fight Night in</a> появились сначала на <a href="https://news-nz.co.nz">newsnz</a>.</p>
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		<item>
		<title>Jacob Malkoun Triumphs in Perth</title>
		<link>https://news-nz.co.nz/2026/05/02/jacob-malkoun/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Emily Fraser]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Sat, 02 May 2026 10:31:21 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Sports]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[decision]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[fight night]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[jacob malkoun]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Middleweight division]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[MMA]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[submission]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[ufc]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://news-nz.co.nz/2026/05/02/jacob-malkoun/</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Jacob Malkoun faced a tough challenge but emerged victorious against Gerald Meerschaert at UFC Perth, winning by unanimous decision. This marks his second consecutive win in the UFC.</p>
<p>Сообщение <a href="https://news-nz.co.nz/2026/05/02/jacob-malkoun/">Jacob Malkoun Triumphs in Perth</a> появились сначала на <a href="https://news-nz.co.nz">newsnz</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>&#8220;Meerschaert took the first round after pulling Malkoun down into a guillotine choke,&#8221; said a ringside observer after the fight. Jacob Malkoun secured a <strong>unanimous decision victory</strong> over Gerald Meerschaert on May 2, 2026, at UFC Perth, despite a challenging start to the match.</p>
<p>In front of a lively crowd at the <strong>RAC Arena</strong> in Perth, Malkoun showed resilience. Although he struggled early on, he managed to adapt his strategy and turned the fight around. The judges scored it 29-28 across all three scorecards.</p>
<p>Malkoun, now with a professional record of <strong>9-3</strong>, has proven himself as a formidable competitor in the <strong>Middleweight division</strong>. He has won two consecutive fights in the UFC, showcasing his skills and determination.</p>
<p><strong>Key statistics:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>Malkoun averages <strong>4.55 significant strikes</strong> per minute.</li>
<li>He also records <strong>5.81 takedowns</strong> per 15 minutes.</li>
<li>This fight marked Meerschaert&#8217;s <strong>59th professional MMA career walk</strong>.</li>
<li>Meerschaert weighed in four pounds over the Middleweight limit, resulting in a forfeiture of 30 percent of his purse.</li>
<li>This was Meerschaert&#8217;s fourth consecutive loss; his last victory was against Edmen Shahbazyan in August 2024.</li>
</ul>
<p>Malkoun&#8217;s ability to keep the fight standing for most of the rounds proved crucial. &#8220;Malkoun uses his superior grappling to keep things on the feet,&#8221; noted an analyst after the event. His previous six wins have all come by decision, highlighting his tactical approach to fights.</p>
<p>The atmosphere at UFC Perth was electric, with fans cheering for both fighters. As Malkoun continues to climb the ranks, many will be watching closely to see how he develops further in his career.</p>
<p>Сообщение <a href="https://news-nz.co.nz/2026/05/02/jacob-malkoun/">Jacob Malkoun Triumphs in Perth</a> появились сначала на <a href="https://news-nz.co.nz">newsnz</a>.</p>
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		<item>
		<title>UFC: Jack Della Maddalena vs Carlos Prates in Perth</title>
		<link>https://news-nz.co.nz/2026/05/02/ufc-jack-della-maddalena-vs-carlos-prates-in/</link>
		
		<dc:creator><![CDATA[Daniel Wilson]]></dc:creator>
		<pubDate>Sat, 02 May 2026 10:29:26 +0000</pubDate>
				<category><![CDATA[Sports]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[knockout]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[MMA predictions]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Performance of the Night]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[ufc]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[welterweight division]]></category>
		<guid isPermaLink="false">https://news-nz.co.nz/2026/05/02/ufc-jack-della-maddalena-vs-carlos-prates-in/</guid>

					<description><![CDATA[<p>Jack Della Maddalena is set to face Carlos Prates in a crucial welterweight bout at UFC Fight Night on May 2, 2026. This match holds significant implications for both fighters.</p>
<p>Сообщение <a href="https://news-nz.co.nz/2026/05/02/ufc-jack-della-maddalena-vs-carlos-prates-in/">UFC: Jack Della Maddalena vs Carlos Prates in Perth</a> появились сначала на <a href="https://news-nz.co.nz">newsnz</a>.</p>
]]></description>
										<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Jack Della Maddalena aims to rebound from a recent loss as he faces off against Carlos Prates in a highly anticipated welterweight bout on <strong>May 2, 2026</strong>, in Perth, Australia. This matchup at UFC Fight Night is crucial for both fighters as they look to solidify their standings in the welterweight division.</p>
<p>Della Maddalena, ranked first in the welterweight division, is coming off a unanimous decision loss to Islam Makhachev at UFC 322. That defeat ended his impressive winning streak of 18 bouts and left him eager to prove himself again.</p>
<p>On the other hand, Carlos Prates, ranked fifth, enters this fight with momentum after knocking out Leon Edwards in his last match at UFC 322. Prates has quickly made a name for himself and was even named the 2024 MMA Fighting Rookie of the Year.</p>
<p>The stakes are high as both fighters have impressive knockout records. Della Maddalena boasts an 18-3 professional record with 12 wins by knockout, while Prates holds a record of 23-7 with 18 knockouts. Their striking capabilities make this bout particularly exciting for fans.</p>
<p><strong>Key facts:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li>Della Maddalena is a four-time Performance of the Night honoree.</li>
<li>Prates has earned Performance of the Night honors in each of his last six fights.</li>
<li>The main card is scheduled to start at approximately 7 a.m. ET.</li>
<li>Della Maddalena is making his second fight in his home country.</li>
</ul>
<p>As anticipation builds for this event, MMA predictions suggest that Della Maddalena will look to start a new streak against Prates. Kyle Marley commented on the matchup, stating that &#8220;Micallef is going to be the better striker and he is also the more dangerous submission grappler.&#8221; This adds another layer of intrigue to an already compelling fight.</p>
<p>Fans can catch all the action streamed live on Paramount+. With both fighters hungry for victory, this welterweight clash promises to be one for the books.</p>
<p>Сообщение <a href="https://news-nz.co.nz/2026/05/02/ufc-jack-della-maddalena-vs-carlos-prates-in/">UFC: Jack Della Maddalena vs Carlos Prates in Perth</a> появились сначала на <a href="https://news-nz.co.nz">newsnz</a>.</p>
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