The UFC is officially heading to Serbia for the first time, and a pivotal welterweight matchup will headline the promotion’s historic debut in the country as No. 13-ranked contender Uroš Medić takes on No. 15-ranked Daniel Rodriguez on Saturday, August 1.
The event will take place at the iconic Belgrade Arena in Belgrade, marking a landmark moment as the UFC makes its long-awaited Serbian debut with an international fight card loaded with established veterans, rising contenders, and local talent.
Medic Returns Home for Career-Defining Opportunity
Fighting out of Anchorage, Alaska, by way of Novi Sad, Serbia, Medić (13-3) enters the bout carrying momentum and hometown expectations into one of the biggest fights of his career.
Known for his explosive striking and finishing ability, the Serbian welterweight has emerged as one of the division’s most dangerous offensive threats following a string of standout performances. Medić arrives in Belgrade after securing consecutive first-round stoppage victories over Geoff Neal, Gilbert Urbina, and Muslim Salikhov, further establishing himself among the top names at 170 pounds.
Now ranked inside the UFC welterweight Top 15, Medić hopes a marquee win in front of a home crowd will elevate him deeper into title contention.
Rodriguez Looks to Extend Winning Streak
Standing across from him will be veteran contender Rodriguez (20-5), who has quietly cemented himself as one of the welterweight division’s toughest and most consistent competitors.
Fighting out of Alhambra, California, Rodriguez enters the matchup riding a three-fight winning streak, most recently defeating Kevin Holland at UFC 318. Known for his crisp boxing, pressure, and toughness inside the Octagon, Rodriguez views the Belgrade showdown as an opportunity to secure arguably the biggest win of his UFC career.
With both fighters ranked and surging, the matchup carries major implications in the crowded welterweight division.
Local Stars and Heavyweight Action Added to Belgrade Card
The Belgrade event will also showcase Serbian talent and compelling matchups across multiple divisions.
Local middleweight favorite and Dana White’s Contender Series alum Duško Todorović returns to compete in front of a home crowd against Switzerland’s Robert Valentin.
At heavyweight, ranked light heavyweight contender Aleksandar Rakić makes a significant career move by stepping up in weight to face Polish veteran Marcin Tybura.
Heavyweights Ante Delija and Johnny Walker are also set to collide in an intriguing clash.
Elsewhere, Serbian prospect Jovan Leka makes his UFC debut against Max Gimenis, while fellow UFC newcomer Vlasto Cepo faces Urbina in a middleweight bout.
Tickets and VIP Experiences
Tickets for UFC’s debut event in Belgrade go on sale Friday, May 29, at 10 a.m. CEST through tickets.rs. Early access opportunities are available for UFC Fight Club members beginning Wednesday, May 27, with additional presale access for fans who registered early interest on Thursday, May 28.
Fans seeking a premium experience will also be able to purchase VIP packages that include premium seating, access to a private all-inclusive lounge, athlete meet-and-greets, and even the opportunity to step inside the UFC Octagon following the event.
With ranked contenders, Serbian fan favorites, and historic significance surrounding the promotion’s first trip to the country, UFC’s Belgrade debut is shaping up to be one of the summer’s most anticipated fight nights.
