The UFC heads to Serbia for the first time on Saturday, August 1, as UFC Fight Night: Uroš Medić vs. Daniel Rodriguez takes over Belgrade Arena in a historic event for mixed martial arts in Southeastern Europe.
The card is headlined by hometown favorite Uroš Medić, who looks to continue his knockout streak against veteran Daniel Rodriguez in a pivotal welterweight showdown.
Former UFC light heavyweight champion Jan Błachowicz also returns to action against unbeaten prospect Navajo Stirling, making this one of the strongest Fight Night cards of the year.
When Is UFC Fight Night: Medić vs. Rodriguez?
Date: Saturday, August 1, 2026
Location: Belgrade Arena, Belgrade, Serbia
Preliminary Card:
9:00 a.m. ET
Main Card:
12:00 p.m. ET
Broadcast:
Paramount+
Why Is UFC Belgrade So Important?
This event marks the first UFC event ever held in Serbia, making the country the 33rd nation to host a UFC event.
With several Serbian fighters competing, the atmosphere is expected to resemble a pay-per-view, led by local fan favorite Uroš Medić.
The event also highlights the continued growth of MMA throughout Eastern and Southeastern Europe.
Main Event Preview: Uroš Medić vs. Daniel Rodriguez
The main event pits explosive knockout artist Uroš Medić (13-3) against veteran striker Daniel Rodriguez (20-5).
Medić enters riding a three-fight winning streak, with all three victories coming by first-round knockout. The Serbian southpaw has earned a reputation as one of the UFC’s fastest finishers and now gets the opportunity to headline in front of his home fans.
Rodriguez brings significantly more UFC experience and remains one of the division’s toughest veterans. Known for his high-volume boxing and durability, “D-Rod” presents Medić with arguably the biggest test of his career.
Tale of the Tape
| Fighter | Uroš Medić | Daniel Rodriguez |
|---|---|---|
| Record | 13-3 | 20-5 |
| Height | 6’1″ | 6’1″ |
| Reach | 71″ | 74″ |
| Age | 33 | 39 |
| Stance | Southpaw | Southpaw |
Jan Błachowicz Returns
Former UFC light heavyweight champion Jan Błachowicz returns against unbeaten New Zealander Navajo Stirling.
Originally scheduled to face Bogdan Guskov, Błachowicz received a new opponent after changes to the UFC schedule. Stirling enters undefeated and faces the toughest challenge of his career.
UFC Fight Night: Medić vs. Rodriguez Full Fight Card
Main Card
- Uroš Medić vs. Daniel Rodriguez (Welterweight)
- Jan Błachowicz vs. Navajo Stirling (Light Heavyweight)
- Aleksandar Rakić vs. Marcin Tybura (Heavyweight)
- Duško Todorović vs. Robert Valentin (Middleweight)
- Vlasto Čepo vs. Gilbert Urbina (Middleweight)
- Miloš Janičić vs. Noah Gugnon (Lightweight)
Preliminary Card
- Ľudovít Klein vs. Tofiq Musayev (Lightweight)
- Oban Elliott vs. Michael Oliveira (Welterweight)
- Borislav Nikolić vs. Mark Vologdin (Bantamweight)
- Dennis Buzukja vs. Bogdan Grad (Featherweight)
- Mateusz Rębecki vs. Kyle Prepolec (Lightweight)
- Nina Milošević vs. Hailey Cowan (Women’s Bantamweight)
- Jovan Leka vs. Alexander Poppeck (Heavyweight)
- Marina Spasić vs. Stephanie Luciano (Women’s Strawweight)
Three Fights to Watch
Uroš Medić vs. Daniel Rodriguez
Can Medić continue his first-round knockout streak, or will Rodriguez’s experience spoil Serbia’s biggest MMA celebration?
Jan Błachowicz vs. Navajo Stirling
The former champion returns against one of the division’s fastest-rising prospects.
Aleksandar Rakić vs. Marcin Tybura
An intriguing heavyweight clash featuring two experienced European veterans looking to climb back toward title contention.
Prediction
Fighting in front of a passionate Serbian crowd should give Medić a significant emotional boost, but Rodriguez has faced elite competition throughout his UFC career and possesses the experience to weather early storms.
If Medić lands clean in the opening two rounds, another knockout is certainly possible. If Rodriguez survives the early pressure, the veteran could take control with volume and pace.
Prediction: Uroš Medić defeats Daniel Rodriguez via Round 2 TKO.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is UFC Fight Night: Medić vs. Rodriguez?
The event takes place on Saturday, August 1, 2026, at Belgrade Arena in Belgrade, Serbia.
How can I watch UFC Fight Night: Medić vs. Rodriguez?
Both the preliminary card and main card will stream on Paramount+.
Who is headlining UFC Belgrade?
Uroš Medić and Daniel Rodriguez headline the event in a welterweight main event.
Why is UFC Belgrade historic?
It is the first UFC event ever held in Serbia.
Who is Uroš Medić?
Uroš Medić is a Serbian UFC welterweight known for his aggressive striking and finishing ability. He enters the event riding a three-fight first-round knockout streak.
Who is Daniel Rodriguez?
Daniel Rodriguez is an American UFC welterweight veteran with over 20 professional victories, known for his boxing, durability, and high striking output.
Who is fighting in the co-main event in Servia?
Former UFC light heavyweight champion Jan Błachowicz faces unbeaten contender Navajo Stirling.
What time does UFC Belgrade start?
The prelims begin at 9:00 a.m. ET, followed by the main card at 12:00 p.m. ET.
