Last night, on September 27, 2025, the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) made its way to RAC Arena in Perth, Australia, for an electrifying event. Despite the card suffering three late cancellations, including the removal of both Tafa brothers, the night still featured 12 bouts. The main event, a clash between Dominick Reyes and Carlos Ulberg, stood out as the most significant matchup, while the rest of the card showcased relatively unknown Australian prospects alongside more familiar Oceania fighters like Jimmy Crute and Jake Matthews.
The event, which was not the most stacked of the year, saw a lukewarm turnout from Australian fans. Nevertheless, the performances of the night provided plenty of excitement and notable moments.
Ulberg’s Dominance in the Main Event
Dominick Reyes, once a rising star in the light heavyweight division, faced Carlos Ulberg in the main event. Reyes, known as “The Devastator,” had a career marked by highs and lows, including a controversial decision loss to Jon Jones that seemed to derail his momentum. After a series of setbacks, Reyes had recently found his footing again, reminiscent of Robbie Lawler’s unexpected title reign.
However, Ulberg proved to be a formidable opponent. Reyes struggled to connect with his strikes, while Ulberg effectively controlled the fight, landing powerful blows and dictating the pace. Ulberg’s performance was nearly flawless, solidifying his position as a frontrunner for the next 205-pound title shot. Meanwhile, Reyes’ aspirations for a championship seem to have taken a significant hit.
Magny’s Remarkable Comeback
In a thrilling bout against Jake Matthews, Neil Magny once again demonstrated his resilience and skill. The veteran fighter, known for his ability to stage comebacks, found himself in a challenging position after the first two rounds. Matthews nearly secured a victory with a guillotine choke at the end of the first round, but the referee allowed the fight to continue after realizing Magny was still conscious.
Despite Matthews’ dominance, Magny turned the tide in the third round. Utilizing his experience and long reach, he landed effective strikes and forced Matthews into a clinch. From there, Magny capitalized on Matthews’ fatigue, securing a d’arce choke for the win. This victory adds to Magny’s record as the winningest welterweight in UFC history, further cementing his legacy as a remarkable competitor at 38 years of age.
Rising Stars and Notable Performances
Tom Nolan’s Impressive Victory
In a lightweight showdown, Tom Nolan faced Charlie Campbell in a brief yet intense battle. Nolan, a skilled kickboxer, initially struggled against Campbell’s aggressive approach. However, once Nolan found his rhythm, he quickly dismantled Campbell with a combination of strikes, culminating in his first career submission win. Now boasting a 10-1 record, the 25-year-old prospect is on a four-fight winning streak in the UFC.
Other Highlights from UFC Perth
- Jimmy Crute vs. Ivan Erslan: Crute showcased his grappling prowess, securing a first-round rear-naked choke victory. Despite his success, Crute’s defensive striking remains a concern.
- Cam Rowston vs. Andrei Petroski: Rowston, a debutant, delivered a stunning first-round knockout against Petroski, demonstrating his potential as a formidable middleweight contender.
- Brando Pericic vs. Elisha Ellison: Pericic impressed with a first-round knockout, utilizing effective striking and grappling to secure the win. The 31-year-old heavyweight is a promising addition to the division.
Looking Ahead
The UFC Perth event, despite its initial setbacks, provided fans with memorable moments and showcased emerging talents. Carlos Ulberg’s dominant performance positions him as a serious contender in the light heavyweight division, while Neil Magny’s victory reaffirms his status as a resilient and skilled veteran.
As the UFC continues to expand its global reach, events like UFC Perth highlight the depth and diversity of talent within the organization. Fans can look forward to seeing these fighters’ careers unfold and anticipate future matchups that promise to deliver excitement and drama inside the Octagon.
