Zuffa LLC

Dana White liked what he saw from Uros Medic on Saturday, all 30 seconds of it.

Medic took center stage for the main event of UFC Belgrade in front of the home crowd. “The Doctor†had everything going in his favor, including an opponent who had just been released from prison back in April. Still, Daniel Rodriguez has been known for being a tough out for anyone, but Medic stopped him via TKO in half a minute.

Speaking to reporters during the UFC Belgrade post-fight presser, White said it's hard to make a bigger statement than what Medic was able to achieve on fight night (via MMAJunkie).

“I don't know how you can win more impressively than you did,†White said. “The first shot pretty much knocked him out because the second one pretty much hit him on the chest, sort of a back head shot, and then some punches on the ground. He pretty much knocked him out with one punch.â€

As far as just how high Medic's stock can go, White believes the Serbian knockout artist is well on his way to becoming a big star if he continues to get quick finishes.

“First of all, he has the most first-round KOs in the division's history. He's got the longest streak of KOs in the division's history. Third longest first-round KO streak in the sport, I think. The highest knockdown rate – he's got a ton of records in knocking people out in the first round,†White said. “If he keeps coming in, and you work your way up the rankings, and fight for a world title, there's a lot things that it takes to become a superstar. He's definitely headed in the right direction.â€

Medic has called out former UFC welterweight titleholder Leon Edwards. He said if that fight doesn't come to fruition, then he'd like a worthy opponent in the 170-pound rankings. It'll be interesting to see who the UFC matchmakers believe could be a solid test for “The Doctor.â€

Is Uros Medic destined for the top of the heap in the welterweight division, or do you think his momentum will cool off with tougher opposition? Sound off in the comments below.

This article appeared first on BJPENN.COM

PFL MMA

Dakota Ditcheva was not happy that her PFL New York victory wasn't a crowd pleaser.

Ditcheva stepped inside the SmartCage to take on Denise Kielholtz this past Friday. “Dangerous†was a massive betting favorite going into the bout, and while she did pick up the unanimous decision win, her performance didn't exactly match the line. Kielholtz made things a bit tougher for Ditcheva than expected, which led to some moments where the action wasn't satisfying enough for those in attendance at the UBS Arena.

Home of Fight live streamed the PFL New York post-fight media conference, and Ditcheva admitted that she didn't like the crowd boos because she prides herself on being a fun fighter (via MMAFighting).

“It bothered me,†Ditcheva said. “Only because I'm passionate about the work I do, and I wanted a stoppage myself. But at the same time, words from my brother and my coach will be, always, ‘We don't care about what anybody else thinks.' It's me in there fighting. I'm the one that's in there to only kind of think about the boos for one second and get knocked out.

“So for me, it's like, I don't want them to boo, because I want to be exciting and entertaining for you guys, but at the same time, I'm in there fighting. I'm not in there, like, performing a dance. So, I have to do what's right for me to get the win and come out on top, and that's what I did today.â€

Regardless of how the fans felt, Ditcheva now improves her unblemished pro MMA record to 16-0. This is her second straight decision win after going on a nine-fight streak of finishes. Ditcheva's last finishing win was back in Nov. 2024 when she scored a second-round TKO victory over Taila Santos.

What do you make of Dakota Ditcheva's performance at PFL New York? Did she simply have more struggles than expected against an experienced opponent, or is she not as good as advertised? Share your take in the comments below.

This article appeared first on BJPENN.COM

Zuffa LLC

Israel Adesanya believes Navajo Stirling is due for a significant boost in the rankings.

Stirling was featured on the UFC Belgrade card this past Saturday. He was matched up against his most notable opponent to date. Former UFC Light Heavyweight Champion Jan Blachowicz, who holds a win over Adesanya, was standing across from Stirling on fight night. While Blachowicz was hoping to end his winless drought, Stirling had other ideas. The rising New Zealand star delivered a first-round TKO finish to improve his unbeaten record to 11-0.

With the impressive victory, Adesanya reacted on his YouTube channel by calling for Stirling to be placed in the top five rankings at 205 pounds (h/t MMAJunkie).

“He just got back from Japan last fight, takes this fight on short notice against a former champion, and smokes the dude – absolutely smokes him,†Adesanya said. “I'm still in awe. I'm still in awe. Just the whole thing, the walkout, when he steps into the octagon, he just looked so relaxed. There was a sequence in there where he just looked relaxed. He wasn't panicking, even when he got popped with that jab and his nose started bleeding. He stayed composed. You're watching it, and I know the guy, I'm just like, ‘He's relaxed. He's chill.' He fought so recently. Another day in the office. Another good day in the office for Navajo Stirling. No one has ever done that before to Jan until today. Top five. Put my man in the top five. Hurry up. And $100 Gs.â€

Stirling's first three fights under the UFC banner were unanimous decision wins, while his last three outings have resulted in TKO victories. Some believe Stirling continues to get better every time he steps inside the Octagon, and he might be the spark the light heavyweight division needs. Whether or not he can live up to the hype as the competition gets tougher will be a story to watch in the coming months and years.

Is Navajo Stirling ready for top five competition? What do you think his ceiling is at 205 pounds? Chime in with your opinion below.

This article appeared first on BJPENN.COM