The UFC returns to Perth, Western Australia on Sunday, August 18 for UFC 305.
The last time the UFC took over the RAC Arena, Islam Makhachev and Alex Volkanovski fought a classic for the lightweight title, with the Australian narrowly failing in his attempt to become world champion in both weight classes simultaneously.
Let’s take a look at who will be in action this time.
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UFC 305 Fight Card: Confirmed Fights
Dricus du Plessis (c) against Israel Adesanya
At the top of the card, the middleweight title is at stake in what is expected to be an exciting duel between Dricus du Plessis (21-2) and Israel Adesanya (24-3).
The pair faced off in the cage following du Plessis’ victory over Robert Whittaker at UFC 290, but Adesanya lost the belt to Sean Strickland at UFC 293 in Sydney, after which the South African du Plessis challenged and defeated Strickland to win the title.
Can Adesanya climb the mountain at 185 pounds for a third time or will du Plessis defend his title in style for the first time?
Kai Kara-France vs. Steve Erceg
In a high-class trans-Tasman duel, flyweight stars Steve Erceg (12-2) and Kai Kara-France (24-11) will face off in the former’s hometown.
After his narrow loss in his fight against champion Alexandre Pantoja, Erceg will look to return to the winner’s circle and take another fight for the title.
The strong Kara-France remains a threat to everyone in the division and has set himself the goal of making another attempt at the championship himself.
Mateusz Gamrot vs Dan Hooker
Dan Hooker (23-12) gets his wish granted!
The hard-working New Zealand lightweight boxer fought long and hard to get a fight on this card, and he got a good one.
Gamrot (24-2 (1)), ranked fifth in the world, has won three fights in a row and has won seven of his last eight fights.
If Hooker can win in his return from an arm injury, he will be among the division’s elite again.
Tai Tuivasa vs. Jairzinho Rozenstruik
Two hard-hitting heavyweights meet in a fight that is sure to keep fans on the edge of their seats.
Sydney’s Tai Tuivasa (14-7) has won fans with his action-packed fights, knockout power and towering personality, but after four straight losses he will be desperate to get his hand raised here.
His opponent Rozenstruik (14-5) is cut from a similar cloth: he has knocked out his opponent in all but one of his 14 professional victories.
Li Jingliang vs Carlos Prates
Jingliang (19-8) hasn’t fought since September 2022 due to a spinal injury, but the popular Chinese welterweight is back at UFC 305.
He will face Brazilian Prates (19-6), who has currently won eleven fights in a row, including two since joining the UFC via the Contender Series.
Junior Tafa vs Valter Walker
In another heavyweight duel, Brisbane-based Junior Tafa (5-2) will face Brazilian Valter Walker (11-1).
Walker lost his UFC debut last time out, while Tafa is coming off a loss to Marcos Rogerio de Lima.
Josh Culibao vs Ricardo Ramos
Exciting featherweight Josh Culibao (11-3-1) from Sydney will face experienced Brazilian Ricardo Ramos (16-6).
Ramos has lost his last two fights via guillotine chokes, while Culibao is hoping to end his two-fight losing streak, both by decision.
Casey O’Neill vs. Luana Santos
King Casey (9-2) hopes to end her two-fight losing streak when she faces Brazilian hopeful Luana Santos (8-1).
O’Neill was considered a future flyweight contender before a torn cruciate ligament sidelined her.
The 26-year-old, born in Scotland and raised on the Gold Coast, hopes to get back on track in Perth against Santos, who has won her first three fights in the UFC.
Jack Jenkins vs Herbert Burns
Victorian fan favorite Jack Jenkins (12-3) returns to face Brazilian Herbert Burns (11-5), brother of former welterweight title challenger Gilbert.
Jenkins suffered a nasty elbow injury at the last UFC 293 in Sydney and will hand Burns his fourth consecutive loss.
Tom Nolan vs Alex Reyes
Australian lightweight Tom Nolan (7-1) has a 1-1 record in the UFC since completing the Contender Series.
Queensland’s “Big Train” will face American Alex Reyes (13-4), who was unable to compete in the UFC for five years due to a spinal infection that left doctors wondering if he would ever walk again.
Song Kenan vs Ricky Glenn
In a welterweight fight between two experienced fighters, Chinese Song Kenan (20-8) will face American Ricky Glenn (22-8-2).
Both are coming off losses. Glenn is making his debut in the division and is seeking his first win since mid-2021, while Kenan lost to Kevin Jousset last December.
Stewart Nicoll vs Jesus Aguilar
The youngest Australian to be called up by the UFC, Queensland-based Stewart Nicoll (8-0), will face Mexican Jesus Aguilar (10-2) in his promotional debut.
Nicoll is an exciting flyweight who has only been to a decision once and mixes submissions and knockouts.
