Michael Oliveira expects warm reception at UFC Belgrade with support of Serbian footballer Dejan Petkovic

Michael Oliveira will make his UFC debut in Belgrade on familiar ground, backed by Serbian football legend Dejan Petkovic, whose support is expected to generate local fan support for the Brazilian fighter.

Petkovic, 53, played for Real Madrid from 1995 to 1997 before establishing a lengthy football career in Brazil. The former athlete occasionally trains boxing and became impressed after watching Oliveira train at KO Squad, where the newcomer compiled an unbeaten 6–0 record with five knockouts in the LFA. The connection formed through Rafael "Feijão" Cavalcante, LFA vice president and gym acquaintance of Petkovic, who also runs a betting company sponsoring the UFC Belgrade event.

Oliveira arrives at his UFC debut undefeated at 9–0 with eight knockouts, including a stoppage of Victor Valenzuela on Dana White's Contender Series. He will face Oban Elliott, a 3–2 UFC veteran who has dropped his last two bouts to Seok Hyeon Ko and Jonathan Micallef. While Petkovic did not travel to Belgrade, he arranged a pre-flight send-off at Rio de Janeiro airport and has promoted Oliveira on social media, efforts the fighter believes will generate crowd support, particularly since Elliott carries no Serbian flag.

Oliveira underwent surgery following his DWCS appearance, requiring the insertion of 20 screws and a titanium plate to repair a hand fracture. He credits the recovery period with improved conditioning and a sharper overall fighting approach. Against Elliott, Oliveira expects an aggressive, technical affair where both fighters will pursue knockout opportunities, though he remains prepared for all three rounds if the bout extends to a decision.