This is the live blog for Uros Medic vs. Daniel Rodriguez, the welterweight main event for Saturday's UFC Belgrade card at Belgrade Arena in Belgrade, Serbia.
Medic—currently No. 15 at 170 pounds in the MMA Fighting Global Rankings—is on a hot streak, with three first-round knockouts in his past three fights. The Serbian star has one mission and one mission only, to go for the finish or leave on his shield. In 16 pro bouts, Medic (13-3) has never gone to the scorecards. Following his recent win over Geoff Neal, Medic called for the UFC to bring an event to his country and now that his wish has been granted, the pressure is on him to deliver.
On the other side, Rodriguez (20-5) looks to get back on track after his career was recently derailed by an eight-month stint in a Mexican prison. Rodriguez is also on a three-fight win streak, having knocked off veterans Kevin Holland, Santiago Ponzinibbio, and Alex Morono, and now has to play the spoiler in front of a hostile crowd.
Check out the Uros Medic vs. Daniel Rodriguez live blog below.
Well that helped move things along!
UFC Belgrade has mostly been a fun show, but the heavyweight bought really brought the energy down. Fortunately, Navajo Stirling picked things back up, and there's almost no way this fight isn't fun.
Jason Herzog is the ref. There are 3 judges but I will be SHOCKED if they're needed.
Bruce Buffer gets things going and he's milking it a bit. But that's his thing, and the crowd is here for it.
We took our time with these walkouts. Rodriguez had a long walk to the arena, where he was loudly booed. Of course. And Medic's walkout was also long but fun as this arena seems very lively. Huge moment for him.
Medic is 6 years younger, but gives up 3 inches of reach. He is the favorite at -400 though, with Rodriguez at +310.
Buffer gets things going and this crowd is lively. Let's have fun!
Medic leads with a leg kick. Rodriguez does the same and it catches Medic in between, dropping him.
OHHHHHHHH! Rodriguez bounces forward and Medic explodes with a huge hook! Sends Rodriguez crashing to the canvas! Jumps on top and brings the thunder and this is over in seconds!!!!!!!!!!
Oh man, we've got soccer hooligan energy in this crowd with a man blazing some flares in the stands! Biggest moment of Medic's life and he delivered in the biggest way.
And the crowd is chanting his name. This is awesome.
Uros Medic def. Daniel Rodriguez via TKO (punches) — 0:30, Round 1.
Medic is on the verge of big emotions in his post-fight interview. The crowd is still chanting his name and he's clearly moved by it. He speaks to them before translating himself, saying it's been a really rough couple of weeks and that he didn't feel like he was home, even though he was on home soil. It's been nearly a decade since he's been in Serbia.
Then he gives a speech about leaving home when he was 22 and how he got here.
“I have so many words, I don't think we have enough time tonight. With that being said, I'm going to cook the rest of this division. With you guys by my side, we're going to bring the belt to Serbia.â€
Medic then says he's like to fight Carlos Prates, but knows he way ahead of him. Then calls out Leon Edwards, before sending us home.