Serbian crowd gets its own UFC debut fighter versus European veteran

Alexander Poppeck will make his UFC debut at UFC Belgrade on August 1, facing fellow newcomer Jovan Leka in front of a home crowd at Belgrade Arena. Poppeck, a 34-year-old German with a 21-5 record, recently joined the promotion after establishing himself as one of Oktagon MMA's biggest names. He will compete at heavyweight despite typically fighting at light heavyweight. Poppeck has won six consecutive fights since 2023—including one no-contest—with four finishes, though he suffered a knockout loss to Jamahal Hill on Dana White's Contender Series in 2019.

Leka, 24, brings a six-fight winning streak into the bout and will have Serbian supporters behind him. The local fighter holds a 13-2 record and has recorded four finishes in his recent wins. Leka earned a Contender Series victory last year but did not sufficiently impress UFC leadership to secure an immediate contract; he fought twice outside the promotion before earning this Belgrade opportunity. Both fighters' debuts mark the UFC's investment in developing European heavyweight talent ahead of its Serbia card.