UFC reveals the initial four matchups for the upcoming Perth event
UFC Announces First Four Bouts for Long-Awaited Return to Perth
The UFC is gearing up for a raucous comeback to Western Australia, as the promotion has just unveiled the first wave of matchups for its event scheduled at RAC Arena in Perth on September 27 (September 28, local time). This announcement sets the stage for a night stacked with explosive talent and local favorites, making Perth the epicenter of MMA action this fall.
Standout Fights Lead Stacked Card
Headlining the earliest announcements is a light heavyweight brawl between Navajo Stirling (7-0 MMA, 2-0 UFC) and Rodolfo Bellato (12-2-1 MMA, 1-0-1 UFC). Stirling enters the bout undefeated and hungry for his first finish in the UFC, having previously secured back-to-back unanimous decisions. On the other side, Bellato seeks to rebound after a confusing no contest against Paul Craig this June — a result he’s eager to put behind him.
The card also features a strawweight showdown between two fierce strikers, Loma Lookboonmee (10-3 MMA, 7-2 UFC) and Alexia Thainara (12-1 MMA, 1-0 UFC). Lookboonmee is riding an impressive four-fight win streak, while Thainara turned heads with a dominant first-round submission finish over Molly McCann in her promotional debut.
Familiar Faces and Rising Prospect Clashes
Fan favorites are not left out. Dooho Choi (16-4-1 MMA, 5-3-1 UFC), known for his high-octane style, will square off against Daniel Santos (12-2 MMA, 3-1 UFC) in what promises to be a barnburner featherweight fight. The main card is rounded out by a bantamweight clash featuring Colby Thicknesse (7-1 MMA, 0-1 UFC) and Josias Musasa (8-1 MMA, 0-1 UFC), both eager to capture their first UFC win.
With these additions, the UFC Perth lineup is shaping up as follows:
- Rodolfo Bellato vs. Navajo Stirling
- Dooho Choi vs. Daniel Santos
- Loma Lookboonmee vs. Alexia Thainara
- Josias Musasa vs. Colby Thicknesse
Expert Reactions and Community Buzz
MMA analyst Jake Dunnett remarked, “Seeing someone like Navajo Stirling aim for his first UFC finish is a big deal for the fans. Plus, Bellato is always a wild card. This kind of fight is exactly what makes these international cards so exciting.”
Local MMA coach Steve Marriot noted, “Western Australia hasn’t seen UFC action since the last sellout. With homegrown athletes on the bill, expect the crowd to be electric.”
Meanwhile, some in the MMA world are curious about the future of certain fighters in the promotion, especially as recent events and cut rumors circulate. For more on potential roster shakeups and insights from Dana White, readers can find the latest updates online.
What’s Next for UFC in Australia?
With hype already building for the Perth showcase, questions remain about the composition of the final fight card and whether more local stars will be added. Given the promotion’s recent spikes in pay-per-view numbers and global attention, the stakes for a successful event are high.
For fans eagerly searching for hints on future matchups, behind-the-scenes drama, or exclusive comments from UFC brass, the lead-up to the Perth event is set to be as action-packed as the fights themselves.
The UFC’s return to Australia promises not just fierce competition, but the next chapter in a region teeming with martial arts talent — and the spotlight gets brighter with every new announcement.
To relive some of the sport’s most iconic stories, from big-name upsets to crossover moments, take a look at these legendary UFC photo moments.
Source: mmajunkie.usatoday.com