UFC Fight Night: Della Maddalena vs Prates Picks, Predictions and Odds May 2, 2026

UFC Fight Night Betting Preview

UFC Fight Night picks and predictions come from WagerTalk UFC handicapper Andy Lang for May 2, 2026 with the main event headlined by Jack Della Maddalena vs Carlos Prates in a welterweight fight. The main card starts up at 7:00am ET from RAC Arena (AUS) in Perth, Australia.

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Jack Della Maddalena vs Carlos Prates: UFC Fight Night Main Event

Saturday, May 2	UFC Fight Night Betting Notes (Courtesy of Caesars)
Moneyline:	Jack Della Maddalena -104 vs Carlos Prates -122
Rounds:	3.5 (Over -106 / Under -120)
Fight Time:	Main Card Starts at 7:00am ET / 4:00am PT
Arena:	RAC Arena (AUS) in Perth, Australia
TV:	Paramount+

UFC Fight Night Undercard Predictions

Beneil Dariush +135 vs Quillan Salkilld -155 

This fight is simple — either Salkilld gets an early KO or Dariush wins on the ground. Dariush has been knocked out in 3 of his last 4, showing serious durability issues.

If he avoids damage, he dominates grappling. I think Salkilld lands first and ends it early. Salkilld by KO. 

Tim Elliott +105 vs Steve Erceg -125 

Erceg’s career path has been strange — early success, quick title shot, then struggles against top  competition. He’s solid everywhere but not elite.

Elliott is scrappy with awkward movement and  dangerous grappling. He looked sharp last fight despite personal adversity. At 39, he’s still tricky. Lean Erceg in a close fight due to better striking and takedown defense. 

Shamil Gaziev -265 vs Brando Peričić +225 

Peričić is an explosive striker who starts fast but lacks experience. His only loss came after gassing when he couldn’t get an early finish.

Gaziev was knocked out early last fight, raising durability concerns. If Gaziev survives early, he can wrestle and take over. Fight doesn’t go the distance is the play, with a sprinkle on the dog. 

Tai Tuivasa -265 vs Louie Sutherland +225 

Last chance for Tuivasa. He’s lost six straight but gets a favorable matchup. Sutherland is out of shape, lacks striking, and offers little upside. He may attempt wrestling, but likely can’t sustain it. Tuivasa by KO. 

Cam Rowston +155 vs Robert Bryczek -185 

Bryczek pressures on the feet but slows down late and has questionable losses. Rowston has improved over the past two years with increased aggression and power.

He’ll need to land early to disrupt Bryczek. Close fight — Rowston is the pick, but not a betting spot. 

Junior Tafa -205 vs Kevin Christian +175 

Fight doesn’t go the distance is the easy play. Both fighters are aggressive and defensive liabilities. Tafa is a first-round KO or bust fighter with no cardio.

Christian will push pace —  either he gets knocked out early or finishes Tafa late. Underdog or pass.

Jacob Malkoun -185 vs Gerald Meerschaert +160 

Easiest pick on the card. Meerschaert is aging, on a losing streak, and has limited upside. Malkoun is younger, stronger, and better everywhere.

Meerschaert’s only chance is a random submission, but Malkoun has never been submitted. Malkoun is the pick. 

Colby Thickness -135 vs Vince Morales +115 

Morales has lost three straight and struggles with pressure and wrestling — exactly what Thicknesse does best.

Morales is a serviceable striker but lacks impact. Thicknesse should control this with takedowns and grind out a decision. 

Wes Schultz -185 vs Ben Johnston +160 

Johnston is 35 with only six pro fights — a red flag. He has power but poor fundamentals and weak competition. Schultz has more experience and a solid ground game, but durability is a concern. Schultz should win, but Johnston has KO upside if you’re looking for a flier. 

Jonathan Micallef -170 vs Themba Gorimbo +145 

Bad matchup for Gorimbo. He relies on wrestling but lacks striking. Micallef is the better striker and can hold his own on the ground. He can reverse positions and even find submissions. Micallef is the pick. 

Kody Steele -155 vs Dom Mar Fan +135 

Steele is a solid prospect with wrestling and athleticism, but his striking defense and cardio are  concerns. Fan is a grinder who will clinch, slow the fight down, and make it ugly.

This likely goes the distance. Fan has the edge late and could steal the fight. Fight goes the distance is the  best play.

UFC Fight Night Main Event: Jack Della Maddalena -104 vs Carlos Prates -122

Maddalena is a pure boxer, while Prates is a power striker. This should stay on the feet. Prates has far more one-shot KO power — all 13 of his recent wins are by knockout.

Maddalena has  been squeaking by with split decisions and wins over aging opponents. Prates continues to deliver and I’ll keep backing him. Prates by KO.

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