Here is part two of my thoughts on UFC Perth fight night.
Colby Thicknesse vs Josias Musasa
After losing in his UFC debut in February against Aleksandre Topuria, he wasn’t going to lose for the second time in his home country. It wasn’t an easy task; Josias Musasa was a formidable opponent and showed why many people are high on him.
Musasa could have won this fight, and no doubt fans might have thought he did. Some did point out on social media that an accidental groin shot gave Thicknesse the time to recover and win this fight. But Thickneesse survived and lives to fight another day. Musasa, on the other hand, has lost back-to-back fights since coming off the Contender Series; he must win his next fight.
As for who I would like to see Thicknesse fight next, like with Tom Nolan, a fight with Englishman Nathan Fletcher is one to make. Really bring the Australian vs. England rivalry alive in MMA, like The Ultimate Fighter: The Smashes did 13 years ago.
Jamie Mullarkey vs Rolando Bedoya
It had been some time since Aussie fight fans had seen Jamie Mullarkey; his last fight was at UFC 301 in 2024. That day, Mullarkey lost to Mauricio Ruffy via TKO. This time around, the Central Coast fighter wasn’t going to go out like that.
Mullakey poured it on early and easily won the first round, but by the second round, he was starting to slow down. Bedoya knew that he needed a clean finish in the third round, and by god did he go for it, but Mullarkey, being the tough son of a gun that he is, got through to the end to get a unanimous decision victory.
The extended lay didn’t do Mullarkey any favours, so he should be fighting as soon as he can to build himself up again. Elves Brener would be a good next fight for Mullarkey.
Jack Jenkins vs Ramon Taveras
The man known as ‘Phar Jack’ (which may still confuse fight fans that aren’t Australian) returned to the win column in emphatic fashion, defeating Ramon Taveras via unanimous decision.
It was a great return to form for Jenkins, who had lost his last fight against Gabriel Santos in February. In his post-fight interview, the emotion poured out of him. You could tell by this fight that Jenkins is well and truly back, and other Featherweights need to take note.
Jenkins’ next fight should be against Giga Chikadze. Chikadze and Jenkins both have similar experience, and it is a slight step up for Jenkins, as Chikadze has previously fought Arnold Allen—a good fight for both competitors.
Jimmy Crute vs Ivan Erslan
LL Cool J once said, ‘Don’t call it a comeback, I’ve been here for years,’ and that’s exactly what Jimmy Crute wants fight fans to think. Well, Crute is just a little bit sick of talking about his comeback, but it has the MMA world talking.
Crute was a promising fighter when he came into the UFC. He looked the goods too. But after some tough losses, Crute took a step back from MMA. While his first fight back was a draw, he has now won two fights in a row. The submission win over Erslan was impressive, with some liking the move to pro wrestling’s ‘Camel Clutch.’
Who does Crute fight next? Ion Cutelaba would be a fun fight to watch.
Carlos Ulberg vs Dominick Reyes
For some, it was clear how this fight would end. Ulberg has knockout power; Reyes has had some nasty knockout losses since his loss to John Jones. Though after the win streak he was on, some would have been expecting Reyes to get the victory. Unfortunately for the Brazilian fighter, it wasn’t to be.
Ulberg was in control from the outset; nothing was going to stop him from winning his ninth fight in a row. A nice combination put Reyes down, and some follow-up punches on the ground ended.
After the fight, we got the answer as to who Ulberg would be fighting next; it will be the winner of this weekend’s fight between Magomed Ankalaev and Alex Pereira.
Thank you for taking the time to read my thoughts on UFC Perth. Please let me know what you’d like to see moving forward and your thoughts on some of the potential match-ups for the Aussie and Kiwi fighters.
Until next time, take care!
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