UFC Fight Night 260: The Bantamweight Gauntlet – Thicknesse vs. Musasa in Perth

Perth, Australia – September 27, 2025

The octagon is set to ignite in Perth, Australia, on September 27, 2025, for UFC Fight Night 260, an event promising high stakes and intense matchups. While the main card features significant bouts, one particular bantamweight clash stands out for its potential narrative depth and raw fighting spectacle: Australia`s own Colby `Slickness` Thicknesse taking on the Democratic Republic of Congo`s formidable Josias `The K.O. Wizard` Musasa.

This isn`t just another preliminary fight; it`s a pivotal moment for two athletes each looking to rebound from recent setbacks. It`s a classic encounter between a fighter known for his measured approach and one celebrated for his explosive finishing power, all unfolding in an arena pulsating with hometown energy.

The `Slickness` Seeks Redemption on Home Soil

For Colby Thicknesse, fighting in Perth isn`t just a geographical convenience; it`s an opportunity to recalibrate his career trajectory in front of a supportive Australian crowd. Hailing from Windang, New South Wales, Thicknesse (7 wins, 1 loss) enters this bout eager to erase the memory of his recent unanimous decision loss to Aleksandre Topuria earlier this year. With two knockouts among his victories, `Slickness` suggests a fighter who can finish, yet his last defeat by decision hints at a need for consistent, dominant performances.

His nickname `Slickness` implies a smooth, perhaps technical, approach to fighting. To truly live up to it, Thicknesse will need to demonstrate not just skill, but also the tactical acumen to navigate Musasa`s undeniable power and dictate the pace of the three-round contest. The pressure of performing at home can be a double-edged sword, either fueling a fighter to new heights or adding an almost paralyzing weight of expectation. For Thicknesse, it`s a chance to turn the page.

The `K.O. Wizard`s` Quest for Unchecked Dominance

Across the octagon stands Josias Musasa, a name that sends a shiver down the spine of any bantamweight contemplating a standing exchange. Fighting out of Lubumbashi, DR Congo, Musasa boasts an imposing professional record of 8 wins and 1 loss, with a staggering 7 of those victories coming by knockout. `The K.O. Wizard` is not merely a moniker; it`s a clear declaration of his fighting philosophy: seek and destroy.

However, even wizards have their off days. Musasa`s sole professional loss came via submission against Carlos Vera, a stark reminder that even the most potent strikers must possess a well-rounded game in the unforgiving world of mixed martial arts. This defeat, while not diminishing his striking prowess, highlights a potential vulnerability that Thicknesse`s team will undoubtedly have scrutinized. For Musasa, this fight is about reasserting his reputation as an elite finisher and proving his ground game has evolved.

Clash of Imperatives: Power vs. Precision

This bantamweight bout is shaping up to be a classic “striker vs. striker with subtle nuances” contest. Musasa’s path to victory often involves closing the distance and unleashing devastating combinations. Thicknesse, on the other hand, will likely aim to use movement, angles, and perhaps a more varied attack to avoid Musasa’s `K.O. Wizardry`. The fighter who can impose their will, whether through sustained pressure or frustrating evasiveness, will likely emerge victorious.

Both combatants are at a crucial juncture. A win could catapult them towards the top 15 rankings, while a second consecutive loss could relegate them to rebuilding status. The psychological aspect of this fight cannot be overstated; the fighter who manages their emotions and past defeat most effectively will gain a significant edge.

Perth: The Stage for Glory

RAC Arena in Perth provides a fitting backdrop for such a high-stakes encounter. Australia has become a hotbed for UFC talent and events, and the local crowd is known for its passionate support. For Thicknesse, this environment could provide the crucial boost he needs. For Musasa, it`s another chance to conquer hostile territory and silence the crowd with his explosive power.

UFC Fight Night 260, featuring Carlos Ulberg vs. Dominick Reyes as its headliner, promises an evening of compelling action from start to finish. The Thicknesse vs. Musasa fight, nestled within the undercard, has all the ingredients to be a memorable sleeper hit.

Anticipation Builds for a Bantamweight Battle

As September 27th approaches, the question remains: Can Colby `Slickness` Thicknesse navigate the storm of `The K.O. Wizard`s` attacks and claim a vital victory on his home turf? Or will Josias Musasa once again demonstrate why his hands are considered among the most dangerous in the bantamweight division, extending his knockout streak and sending a clear message to the rest of the roster?

This fight isn`t merely about wins and losses; it`s about defining careers, overcoming adversity, and proving mettle under the bright lights of the UFC octagon. Fans can expect a calculated, yet potentially explosive, three-round affair where every strike, every takedown attempt, and every moment of pressure will count.