UFC Fight Night in Perth, held on September 28, 2025, at the RAC Arena, was a stunning display of elite mixed martial arts. With a sold-out crowd cheering on local and international talent, the card included spectacular finishes, rising contenders, and veterans making bold statements. The night’s main event included a spectacular first-round knockout by New Zealand’s Carlos Ulberg over former light heavyweight title contender Dominick Reyes, setting the tone for an event full of decisive outcomes and narrative-defining moments.
Ulberg Levels Reyes in Main Event Showdown
In what was seen as a crucial light-heavyweight fight, Carlos Ulberg dominated Dominick Reyes in less than five minutes. Ulberg exerted constant pressure from the beginning, preventing Reyes from moving and forcing close-quarters interactions. At 4:27 of the opening round, Ulberg delivered a powerful right hook that sent the American tumbling to the ground after a crisp left hand wobbled Reyes. The referee stepped in immediately as Reyes laid motionless, marking one of the most emphatic finishes of the New Zealander’s career.
In addition to extending Ulberg’s winning streak to nine, this win solidified his place as a serious contender for the UFC light heavyweight title. The Kiwi fighter, who trained at Auckland’s renowned City Kickboxing facility, showed patience and poise in addition to precise punching against an experienced opponent. Ulberg made a clear statement to the audience after the victory: championship gold is his goal.
After challenging Jon Jones to a contentious decision in 2020, Reyes was once viewed as a potential champion; however, his durability and prospects in the division are now under doubt. It was his third UFC KO/TKO loss since 2021 and ended his recent three-fight winning streak.
Jimmy Crute Submits Ivan Erslan in First Round Return
At 3:19 of the first round, Australia’s own Jimmy Crute made a successful return to the Octagon by submitting Croatian light heavyweight Ivan Erslan with a rear-naked choke. Crute wasted no time getting a takedown early on and moving to a dominant position in front of a home crowd that was cheering for him. Once he had the choke on, Erslan had to tap out, which gave Crute his sixth submission win and his first win since 2023.
The 29-year-old Victorian had previously faced a string of injuries and tough losses, but his performance in Perth gave people hope that he could eventually bounce back. Crute seemed like he was back in form: calm, focused, and technically sharp. After the battle, he indicated that he was ready for ranked opponents in his next fight.
Jack Jenkins Impresses in Decision Win Over Taveras
Jack Jenkins, a featherweight prospect, put on a great show against Ramon Taveras, winning by unanimous decision with scores of 30-27, 30-27, and 29-28. Jenkins set the pace throughout the whole three-round fight, using sharp boxing combinations and smart footwork to make the American newcomer frustrated. Taveras showed toughness, but he couldn’t keep up with Jenkins’ output and cage management.
Jenkins got into the UFC through Dana White’s Contender Series. He has already won three fights in a row and is moving up the featherweight rankings. His ability to change his strategy throughout a bout and stay calm under duress were signs of a developing contender.
Neil Magny Surprises Jake Matthews with Late Submission
In a clash of veteran experience versus hometown hype, Neil Magny silenced the Perth crowd by submitting Jake Matthews in the third round via D’Arce choke. After a competitive first two rounds, Magny capitalized on a grappling exchange and snuck in the choke at 3:08 of Round 3. The win marked Magny’s 24th victory inside the UFC, a record for welterweights and a reminder that he remains a dangerous gatekeeper in the division.
Matthews, fighting in his native Australia, showed promise early on but failed to maintain control on the ground. The result serves as a minor setback for the 31-year-old, who had been hoping to break into the top 10 conversation.
Full UFC Fight Night Perth Main Card Results
| Fight | Winner | Method | Round | Time |
|---|
| Carlos Ulberg vs. Dominick Reyes | Carlos Ulberg | KO (Right hook) | 1 | 4:27 |
| Jimmy Crute vs. Ivan Erslan | Jimmy Crute | Submission (rear‑naked choke) | 1 | 3:19 |
| Tom Nolan vs. Charlie Campbell | Tom Nolan | Submission (rear‑naked choke) | 1 | 4:08 |
| Jack Jenkins vs. Ramon Taveras | Jack Jenkins | Decision (Unanimous) | 3 | 5:00 |
| Neil Magny vs. Jake Matthews | Neil Magny | Submission (D’Arce choke) | 3 | 3:08 |
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