UFC Belgrade Staff Picks: Welterweight Strikers Collide
UFC Belgrade happens Saturday. Who did our staff choose to win this time?
In what will be the company’s first foray into Serbia, UFC Belgrade sets the table for a rip-roaring welterweight clash when hometown hero Uroš Medić clashes with Daniel Rodriguez. In the co-main event, former light heavyweight gold standard Jan Błachowicz attempts to defend his spot in the rankings against Navajo Stirling.
UFC Belgrade Main Event
Over the past year, Medić has enjoyed a meteoric rise in the 170-lb division, residing at the number 14 spot at the time of this article. Leaving his last three opponents unconscious on the canvas in the very first round, fight fans should expect a very quick night in the office for the hard-punching Serbian.
Making his return to the Octagon after more than a year away, Rodriguez is aiming to build even more momentum after compiling a three-bout winning streak. Boasting a stellar chin, “D-Rod” could make his European adversary’s first main event showcase a great setback should he manage to weather the early onslaught of power blows.
UFC Belgrade Co-Main Event
A true veteran of the sport with over 40 professional contests, Błachowicz has achieved many incredible feats in the UFC, including capturing the promotion’s 205-lb belt six years ago. Searching for what will be his first victory since 2022, the Polish bulldozer will bring all of his experience to bear this weekend.
Largely untested in his career, Stirling has become something of a prodigy throughout his time in the organization, getting his hands raised in all five of his Octagon outings. Hungry to get a number next to his name, the City Kickboxing product can add even more to his ascension if he can best the previous title-holder.
More Bouts On the UFC Belgrade Main Card
Rounding out the main card, Aleksandar Rakić makes his heavyweight debut against Marcin Tybura. Then, Duško Todorović trades blows with Robert Valentin. Also, Vlasto Čepo faces Gilbert Urbina. Finally, Miloš Janičić meets Noah Gugnon.
UFC Belgrade Predictions and Staff Picks
MMASucka staff picks are composed of four of the world’s leading mixed martial arts organizations: theUltimate Fighting Championship (UFC), the Professional Fighters League (PFL), ONE Championship (ONE FC), and Dana White’s Contender Series (DWCS).
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UFC picks will include main card fights ranging from four to six matchups per event.
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PFL picks from main cards for both pay-per-views and regular events.
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ONE FC and DWCS picks will feature all MMA fights from the event with a minimum of three matchups.
Staff picks in 2025 were won by Hank Strandberg with a record of 216-119.
Find our UFC Belgrade picks and fight odds below.
Staff records after UFC Abu Dhabi:
1. Hank Strandberg: 124-54
2. Frazer Krohn: 99-74
3. Drew Zuhosky: 88-92
4. Andrew Benjamin: 24-20
*Note – not all staff pick for every event*
Noah Gugnon -120
Vs.
Miloš Janičić +100
LIGHTWEIGHT
Hank Strandberg: Gugnon by Third Round Knockout
Drew Zuhosky: Gugnon by Unanimous Decision
Frazer Kron: Gugnon by Unanimous Decision
Andrew Benjamin: Gugnon by Unanimous Decision
Staff picking Gugnon: 4
Staff picking Janičić: 0
Vlasto Čepo -360
Vs.
Gilbert Urbina +289
MIDDLEWEIGHT
Hank Strandberg: Čepo by First Round Knockout
Drew Zuhosky: Čepo by First Round Knockout
Frazer Kron: Urbina by Unanimous Decision
Andrew Benjamin: Urbina by Unanimous Decision
Staff picking Čepo: 2
Staff picking Urbina: 2
Robert Valentin -158
Vs.
Duško Todorović +138
MIDDLEWEIGHT
Hank Strandberg: Valentin by Unanimous Decision
Drew Zuhosky: Todorović by Unanimous Decision
Frazer Krohn: Valentin by Second Round Knockout
Andrew Benjamin: Todorović by Unanimous Decision
Staff picking Valentin: 2
Staff picking Todorović: 2
Aleksandar Rakić -360
Vs.
Marcin Tybura +289
HEAVYWEIGHT
Hank Strandberg: Rakić by Unanimous Decision
Drew Zuhosky: Tybura by Unanimous Decision
Frazer Kron: Tybura by First Round Knockout
Andrew Benjamin: Tybura by First Round Knockout
Staff picking Rakić: 1
Staff picking Tybura: 3
Navajo Stirling -300
Vs.
Jan Błachowicz +245
LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT
Hank Strandberg: Stirling by Unanimous Decision
Drew Zuhosky: Stirling by Unanimous Decision
Frazer Kron: Stirling by Unanimous Decision
Andrew Benjamin: Błachowicz by Split Decision
Staff picking Stirling: 3
Staff picking Błachowicz: 1
Uroš Medić -400
Vs.
Daniel Rodriguez +316
LIGHT HEAVYWEIGHT
Hank Strandberg: Medić by First Round Knockout
Drew Zuhosky: Medić by Third Round Knockout
Frazer Krohn: Medić by Unanimous Decision
Andrew Benjamin: Medić by Unanimous Decision
Staff picking Medić: 3
Staff picking Rodriguez: 1
