At the moment, it seems like UFC Perth has a hex riding on it. Three fights were canceled weeks before Fight Night 260, and another one fizzled out just as soon. First to go was the co-main event between Junior Tafa and İbo Aslan. Four more soon followed. After all the upheavals, just when fans thought all was good, there goes another one.

On the prelims, Oban Elliott was set to face Australian prospect Jonathan Micallef in a welterweight showdown. However, the 27-year-old Welsh fighter unfortunately had to withdraw from the event with less than 48 hours to go before showtime. The UFC announced on its official website for its September 27th bill, stating, “Due to illness, Oban Elliott has been removed from his welterweight bout with Jonathan Micallef.” This has resulted in a significant shift in the bout order.

UFC Perth bout order changes after the prelims fight fallout

Dana White and Co. had initially planned 15 fights for the event at the RAC Arena. But after losing the co-headliner between Junior Tafa and İbo Aslan, the fights dropped to 14. Now, with Elliott vs. Micallef also canceled, the total bouts have been reduced to 13. And keep in mind that the number could still change. As the weigh-ins haven’t taken place yet. So, the risk of losing even more fights still looms.   

According to Marcel Dorff on X, the bout order changed after the Welsh fighter had to withdraw just 48 hours before the fight. Fortunately, the light heavyweight headliner between Carlos Ulberg and Dominick Reyes remains intact, followed by the matchup between Jimmy Crute and Ivan Erslan. So, not much has changed on that front. But the prelims had to go through some adjustments in their order.

However, the nightmare surrounding this event isn’t over yet. Since Jonathan Micallef won’t be getting a replacement bout, the Australian talent pool for the event will be smaller. And if we look at the current picture, that’s a problem for the UFC, as ticket sales are reportedly already declining for this card.

Ulberg vs. Reyes ticket sales are in a slump

UFC CEO Dana White has always emphasized that Australia has been a very open market for the promotion. With that in mind, the UFC has held some massive events Down Under, featuring the sport’s biggest stars—Alexander Volkanovski, Robert Whittaker, and Israel Adesanya. In particular, the RAC Arena in Perth has become a go-to venue for hosting fights.

Yet, things are looking a lot different this time. A few days ago, Australia’s 7News reported that UFC Perth might be facing low ticket sales. The reports even suggested that the arena could be “half full” ahead of the Carlos Ulberg vs. Dominick Reyes showdown, a fight that has the potential to determine the next light heavyweight title contender.

Adding a twist, UFC executive David Shaw gave a different perspective. During the media day Q&A session, the top company official dismissed ticket concerns, saying, “Not at all.” He later added that the situation is part of a bigger vision for the country’s MMA fighters: “Listen, from the very beginning, we’ve taken the long run. We’re playing a long game with Australia.”

Still, after so many cancellations—including now one involving an up-and-coming Australian star—will ticket sales actually take a bigger hit? That will become clear when the September 28 bouts take place at the RAC Arena. Until then, let us know what you think about this event. Is it really a disaster? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.