UFC Heads to Serbia for the First Time: Belgrade Set for Historic Fight Night on August 1
The UFC will officially make its long-awaited debut in Belgrade on August 1, bringing a loaded fight card to Serbia and marking another major expansion into Eastern Europe. Headlined by one of the region’s fastest rising finishers and backed by hometown star power, UFC Belgrade already feels like one of the most unique Fight Night events of the summer.
At the top of the card, Serbian knockout artist Uroš Medić takes on veteran welterweight contender Daniel Rodriguez in a main event that promises violence from the opening exchange.
Medić enters the biggest fight of his career carrying serious momentum. Eleven of his professional victories have come by knockout, and he has become one of the UFC’s most dangerous early-finish threats with three straight first-round stoppages. Fighting in front of a home-country crowd for the first time under the UFC banner could elevate the energy around “The Doctor” to another level.
Across from him stands Rodriguez, a battle-tested veteran riding a three-fight winning streak. Rodriguez returns for the first time since a highly publicized stint in a Mexican prison following his last appearance in July, where he earned a decision victory over Kevin Holland. Now back inside the Octagon, Rodriguez looks to silence a hostile crowd and halt the momentum of Serbia’s surging finisher.
The stylistic matchup makes for an intriguing clash. Medić is explosive, aggressive, and dangerous early, while Rodriguez brings durability, pace, and experience against elite competition. If the main event becomes a drawn-out battle, Rodriguez could thrive. But if Medić finds his rhythm early, Belgrade could erupt.
The co-main event carries major implications at heavyweight as former light heavyweight contender Aleksandar Rakićofficially moves up to heavyweight against Poland’s No. 12 ranked heavyweight Marcin Tybura.
For years, Rakić was considered one of the division’s most dangerous athletes at 205 pounds, combining elite athleticism with serious striking power. Injuries and setbacks slowed his rise in the light heavyweight rankings, but the move to heavyweight could completely revitalize his career. Competing in Serbia adds even more emotion to the moment.
Tybura presents a difficult first test. The Polish veteran has quietly remained one of the most reliable heavyweights in the UFC, known for his grappling, cardio, and ability to drag opponents into exhausting fights. If Rakić’s power translates to heavyweight, he could become an immediate threat in the division. But Tybura’s experience against elite heavyweights makes this a dangerous debut.
The rest of the announced lineup continues the European flavor while mixing established names with rising prospects.
Croatian heavyweight Ante Delija meets the always unpredictable Johnny Walker in a fight almost guaranteed to produce chaos. Walker’s unorthodox striking and willingness to take risks make every appearance memorable, while Delija brings brutal heavyweight finishing ability.
Serbia’s Duško Todorović faces Robert Valentin in a middleweight matchup that could determine which fighter remains relevant in a crowded division.
Another local favorite, Vlasto Čepo, takes on Gilbert Urbina in what could become one of the sleeper fights on the card due to both fighters’ aggressive styles.
Veteran fan favorite King Green squares off against dangerous Slovak striker Ludovit Klein in a lightweight clash that may steal the show. Green’s experience and unpredictable rhythm meet Klein’s technical striking and growing confidence.
Rounding out the announced bouts, Serbia’s Jovan Leka faces Max Gimenez in what could serve as a showcase opportunity for one of the region’s emerging prospects.
The UFC’s arrival in Belgrade represents more than just another Fight Night. The Balkans have produced elite fighters for years, and the region’s combat sports culture has continued to grow rapidly. From Serbia and Croatia to Bosnia and surrounding nations, local fighters have built passionate fanbases waiting for this moment.
Now, the UFC finally arrives in Serbia with a card built around regional stars, knockout power, and heavyweight intrigue. If the atmosphere matches the anticipation, UFC Belgrade could quickly become one of the promotion’s most memorable international debuts.
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