UFC Fight Night heads to the Belgrade Arena in Serbia on Saturday the 1st of August with an exciting welterweight showdown topping the bill. As hometown favourite Uros Medic takes on veteran contender Daniel Rodriguez. We cover the Main Event as well as two additional bouts from the Main Card from a betting front below.
Click here to bet on the full fight card.
UROS MEDIC vs DANIEL RODRIGUEZ
Welterweight – Main Event:
Uros Medic enters this headline contest holding an impressive UFC record of 7 wins and 3 losses. The Serbian has developed a reputation as one of the division’s most explosive finishers with all seven of his victories inside the promotion coming by knockout or technical knockout.
He comes into this matchup riding a three fight winning streak after stopping Geoff Neal, Muslim Salikhov and Gilbert Urbina in the opening round. Before that he suffered a knockout defeat to Punahele Soriano but had previously recorded notable knockout victories over Tim Means, Matthew Semelsberger, Omar Morales and Aalon Cruz.
Daniel Rodriguez arrives with a strong tally of 10 wins and 4 losses within the institution. The experienced American has consistently competed against quality opposition and combines durable boxing with excellent volume striking and cardio over three rounds.
His latest appearance resulted in a unanimous decision victory over Kevin Holland after previous wins against Santiago Ponzinibbio and Alex Morono. Before that he dropped a decision to Kelvin Gastelum and had earlier suffered defeats against Ian Machado Garry and Neil Magny.
BETTING – click here to bet
Medic 1.23
Rodriguez 4.25
PREDICTION:
Rodriguez has the experience advantage and is capable of dragging opponents into deep waters but Medic’s speed and power have become increasingly difficult to ignore. The Serbian has produced three consecutive first round knockouts and will enjoy the support of the home crowd in Belgrade. I expect Medic to land the cleaner shots early and secure another knockout victory inside the opening two rounds to cut Rodriguez’s winning streak short.
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JAN BLACHOWICZ vs NAVAJO STIRLING
Light Heavyweight – Co-Main Event:
Jan Blachowicz enters this matchup holding a resume of 12 wins, 8 losses and 2 draws under the promotion. The former light heavyweight champion remains one of the most accomplished veterans in the division thanks to his elite experience, well rounded skillset and proven championship pedigree.
He comes into this matchup following a draw against Bogdan Guskov in December last year after suffering a unanimous decision defeat to Carlos Ulberg. Before that he lost a split decision to Alex Pereira but had recorded notable victories over Aleksandar Rakic, Israel Adesanya, Dominick Reyes, Corey Anderson and Luke Rockhold prior to that.
Navajo Stirling arrives in Belgrade with a perfect start of 5 wins without a loss inside the UFC. The unbeaten New Zealander has made an outstanding start to his UFC career and continues to establish himself as one of the division’s most exciting rising contenders.
His latest appearance resulted in a second round knockout victory over Ion Cutelaba just over a month ago after another stoppage win against Bruno Lopes. Before that he earned decision victories over Rodolfo Bellato, Ivan Erslan and Tuco Tokkos.
BETTING – click here to bet
Blachowicz 3.65
Stirling 1.31
PREDICTION:
Blachowicz’s experience and championship experience make him a dangerous opponent for any rising contender but Stirling enters this fight with momentum, confidence and a significant speed advantage despite enduring a short camp in the built up to this bout. The New Zealander has looked increasingly dangerous with each performance and his athleticism should create problems throughout the fight. In the end I think that Stirling will announce himself as a genuine title contender although I see this ending in a decision due to Blachowicz’s grit and time inside the cage.
ALEKSANDAR RAKIC vs MARCIN TYBURA
Heavyweight – Main Card Bout:
Aleksandar Rakic enters this bout with a UFC record of 6 wins and 5 losses. The Serbian has competed against elite opposition throughout his UFC career and remains a dangerous striker with proven knockout power despite moving up to heavyweight for this contest.
He steps into the octagon following consecutive defeats against Azamat Murzakanov, Magomed Ankalaev, Jiri Prochazka and Jan Blochowicz although before that he had recorded victories over Thiago Santos, Anthony Smith, Jimi Manuwa and Devin Clark.
Marcin Tybura arrives with ample fight time under the UFC having fought 24 fights of which he has won 14 and lost 10. The Polish veteran has remained a consistent presence in the heavyweight division for several years thanks to his grappling, durability and ability to control fights over three rounds.
His latest appearance resulted in a unanimous decision defeat to Tyrell Fortune which followed a first-round knockout loss against Ante Delija. Before that he earned wins over Mick Parkin, Jhonata Diniz and Tai Tuivasa but he was caught in the first round against Serghei Spivac during that run.
BETTING – click here to bet
Rakic 1.26
Tybura 4.00
PREDICTION:
Rakic is making a fresh start at heavyweight and should carry the sharper striking and greater athleticism into this matchup. Tybura’s wrestling and experience could keep him competitive early but he seems to be nearing the end of his career and Rakic’s power as well as his movement look likely to become the difference as the fight commences. I expect Rakic to edge the striking exchanges before earning a stoppage victory in the second round.
SUGGESTED BETS:
Medic vs Rodriguez
Medic by KO at 1.49
Blachowicz vs Stirling
Stirling by Decision at 2.20
Rakic vs Tybura
Rakic by KO at 2.40
The treble at 7.87
All 3 of my bets to land comes in at 7.87 and you can use this code to follow: 9045029
Note: All prices are correct at the time of writing but subject to change.
