The Bantamweight Gauntlet: Thicknesse and Musasa Clash for Redemption at UFC Perth

Perth, Australia, is gearing up to host an electrifying night of mixed martial arts as UFC Fight Night 260 descends upon the RAC Arena on September 27, 2025. While the spotlight will undoubtedly shine on the main event featuring Carlos Ulberg and Dominick Reyes, a captivating bantamweight clash earlier in the evening promises to deliver fireworks: Australia`s own Colby `Slickness` Thicknesse will step into the octagon against the Democratic Republic of Congo`s Josias `The K.O. Wizard` Musasa. This isn`t just another preliminary bout; it`s a high-stakes encounter for two fighters eager to rebound and solidify their standing in one of the UFC`s most competitive divisions.

A Tale of Two Comebacks: What`s at Stake?

Both Thicknesse and Musasa enter this contest looking to wash away the taste of recent defeat. Thicknesse, hailing from Windang, New South Wales, is fresh off a unanimous decision loss to Aleksandre Topuria earlier this year. With a professional record of 7 wins and 1 loss, including two knockouts, Thicknesse trains under the Freestyle Fighting Gym banner and is determined to prove his “slickness” is more than just a moniker. A loss here would undeniably complicate his ascent in the bantamweight ranks.

Across the octagon stands Josias Musasa, a fighter whose nickname, `The K.O. Wizard,` speaks volumes about his intentions. Boasting an impressive 8 wins and only 1 loss, Musasa has secured an astonishing seven of those victories by knockout. His recent outing, however, ended in a submission loss against the grappling-savvy Carlos Vera, exposing a potential vulnerability. For Musasa, a dominant performance is crucial to re-establish himself as a top-tier finisher and demonstrate that his submission loss was merely an anomaly.

The `K.O. Wizard` vs. `Slickness`: A Stylistic Showdown

This bantamweight bout presents a classic stylistic clash that often makes for the most compelling fights. Musasa is a demonstrably powerful striker, with a track record of ending fights abruptly. His seven knockouts in eight wins are not statistical anomalies; they are a clear indication of his destructive potential. Thicknesse will need to be acutely aware of Musasa`s propensity for sudden finishes, especially in the early exchanges.

Conversely, Colby Thicknesse, with his `Slickness,` implies a more nuanced approach. While he has two knockouts to his name, his recent decision loss suggests a fighter capable of going the distance, relying on technique, movement, and perhaps a more strategic game plan. His path to victory likely involves disrupting Musasa`s rhythm, evading his powerful shots, and potentially exploiting any grappling deficiencies that Vera`s victory hinted at. It`s a high-level chess match where one wrong move could mean lights out, or a meticulously executed strategy could lead to a hard-fought decision.

Fighter Profiles: A Closer Look

Event Logistics: Date, Time, and Where to Watch

The Betting Line: Wizard as the Favorite

Current betting odds peg Josias Musasa as the favorite at 1.7 (-150), a testament to his formidable knockout power. Colby Thicknesse, the underdog, sits at 2.4 (+135). This suggests that while Musasa is expected to win, particularly by KO/TKO, Thicknesse is seen as a live underdog with a viable path to victory, possibly by decision, given his `slickness` and ability to endure.

Beyond the Headliners: Why This Fight Matters

While Ulberg and Reyes command the main event, the bantamweight division`s depth and excitement are often found in fights like Thicknesse vs. Musasa. This encounter is more than just a preliminary; it`s a testament to the unforgiving nature of the UFC, where every fight is a chance to prove one`s worth, recover from setbacks, and push towards title contention. Expect a fiercely contested battle from two determined athletes who have everything to gain.

Mark your calendars for September 27, 2025. The bantamweights are coming to Perth, and they mean business.