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

Zuffa LLC

Alex Pereira is eager to get back on the horse following his recent setback.

Pereira attempted to become a three-division champion when he fought Ciryl Gane in the UFC Freedom 250 co-headliner. The interim UFC heavyweight title was at stake, and “Poatan†relinquished the 205-pound gold in an effort to fight for the prize in a higher weight class. It didn't work out for Pereira, who was stopped in the second stanza via TKO.

Despite the loss, Pereira is sticking around at heavyweight. During a fan Q&A prior to UFC Belgrade, the surefire future UFC Hall of Famer said he's looking forward to his rebound fight (via MMAMania.com).

“Since I entered the organization, I always take one step at a time,†Pereira said. “My objective was to get to the belt, to become champion, and I was able to do that. Then I moved up a division. That was my idea, to become champion in another division. I went after the third belt. This time, this fight did not work out, but I have a lot of willpower and I am very excited for my next fight.â€

When asked whether or not he prefers to wait for reigning champion Tom Aspinall and Gane to have their expected rematch, “Poatan†made it clear that he wants to return soon.

“I do not know what will happen, and I do not know how long that fight will take,†Pereira said. “For sure I want to fight before, and after that I want to fight for the belt.â€

Pereira has been quite vocal about the officiating during his loss to Gane back in June. The former two-division titleholder has blamed Herb Dean for failing to warn “Bon Gamin†about illegal strikes to the back of the head. The Brazilian bruiser has even called for Dean to be fired as an official.

With Alex Pereira sticking around at heavyweight, who should he face next? Let us know your choice 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