UFC Belgrade predictions

UFC Belgrade makes history Saturday as the promotion touches down in Serbia for the first time, headlined by welterweight contender Uros Medic versus veteran Daniel Rodriguez. The event takes place at Belgrade Arena on August 1, with the eight-fight preliminary card beginning at 10 a.m. ET and the six-fight main card starting at 1 p.m. ET, streaming live on Paramount+.

Medic, who petitioned UFC CEO Dana White to bring an event to the Balkan region, has earned the headlining slot as reward. The Serbian fighter has found remarkable success with his powerful left hand, securing three consecutive first-round finishes. However, Rodriguez's cerebral, distance-control striking style and tendency to frustrate aggressive opponents could complicate Medic's aggressive game plan. The stylistic clash presents an intriguing main event.

Former light heavyweight champion Blachowicz brings star power to the card despite being 43 years old. He faces short-notice replacement Navajo Stirling, who accepted the bout on less than three weeks' notice after original opponent Bogdan Guskov was reassigned to UFC Abu Dhabi. While Stirling has shown recent improvements and finishing ability, the step up in competition and lack of proper preparation time present serious challenges.

Rakic makes his heavyweight debut after struggling at light heavyweight, while Todorovic and Valentin—both recent winners—enter a bout that neither fighter's recent form clearly predicts. The UFC is currently operating a stretch of 16 consecutive weekends of events from mid-July through late October, marking an intensive competitive schedule.