Uros Medic reveals inspiration from Justin Gaethje, number of fights left on UFC deal

Uros Medic has heaped praise on Justin Gaethje, revealing how the American MMA star has inspired him. 

Medic, who hails from and represents Serbia, also shed light on his current UFC deal. 

Uros Medic lauds UFC lightweight champion Justin Gaethje, explains how "The Highlight" inspired him

Uros Medic's most recent Octagon outing witnessed him defeat the dangerously durable American Daniel Rodriguez via TKO 30 seconds into the fight. Their welterweight showdown headlined the first UFC event in Serbia, which went down at the Belgrade Arena in Belgrade on August 1. 

Medic subsequently asserted that he suffered a knee injury, a damaged meniscus, to be specific, at the beginning of fight week. Needless to say, he earned widespread praise for persevering and not only competing but also winning against a tough opponent. 

During a recent appearance on former UFC fighter Josh Thomson's Weighing In podcast, Medic addressed various topics. Thomson seemingly juxtaposed Justin Gaethje's UFC lightweight title-winning performance against Ilia Topuria at UFC Freedom 250 at the White House in June with Medic's UFC Belgrade win. 

The MMA veteran opined that it was like Medic's own UFC White House experience, given that he won a high-profile fight in front of his compatriots on home turf in a thrilling fashion. Medic concurred and underlined that right from his patriotic Serbian entrance song (Vidovdan) to the amazing reception from the fans in attendance, the event was incredible. 

Moreover, Medic harked back to Gaethje's iconic photograph from the UFC White House event, wherein he was draped in the American flag in front of a document comprising the United States Declaration of Independence in the Oval Office. 

Medic explained that for him, as a non-American, the sight invoked a deep sense of patriotism, which he implied was a testament to the magnitude of Gaethje's UFC White House card entrance and fight. He deemed it one of the most patriotic scenes in all of sports. 

"The Doctor" indicated that the feeling Gaethje would've experienced probably can't be compared to anything in the world. Additionally, he opined that Gaethje's victory -- the American fighter being an underdog and beating a dominant, unbeaten foreigner in the Georgian-Spaniard Topuria -- was the cherry on top. 

The 33-year-old added that he generally doesn't send messages to other athletes. However, he noted that they have the same manager, and he messaged Gaethje. Medic stated: 

"But I sent him a message, like, 'Man, if there's one athlete that I'd like to be like, and the way you fight, I would like for me...' Like, this is how I want my career to be like, like Justin Gaethje's. 'Cause he is the definition of a fighter. Like, you know, just f**king to the death. Violence to the death. If it means death, so be it." 

Uros Medic opens up about the number of fights left on his current UFC deal

On one hand, Uros Medic is on a four-fight win streak and looking to break into the upper echelons of the UFC welterweight division.

On the other hand, Justin Gaethje is the reigning UFC lightweight champion, who handed the formidable former two-division UFC champion Ilia Topuria his first MMA loss. Gaethje has hinted at returning to action no sooner than 2027, and some feel that he'll face another top-tier lightweight rather than rematch Topuria. 

Meanwhile, Medic, who's recovering from his meniscus injury, affirmed -- in his conversation with Thomson -- that he's likely to get a noninvasive surgical procedure done soon. The Serbian combatant is eyeing a return before the year ends and has his sights set on former UFC welterweight champions Leon Edwards and Jack Della Maddalena, as well as top contender Carlos Prates. 

Furthermore, when asked about how many fights he has on his UFC deal, Medic suggested that he signed a five-fight contract before his clash against Geoff Neal. His last two fights include his KO win over Neal and then the TKO against Daniel Rodriguez. 

Noting that he still has three fights left on his current UFC deal, Medic said, "The contract I have, I think, at least three more. I just signed a five-fight deal before Geoff Neal." 

Watch Uros Medic discuss his appreciation for Justin Gaethje, his own UFC deal, and more below (*comments at the 16:03-minute mark of the video):