For the second straight week, the UFC heads overseas. This time, they make a surprise trip to Belgrade, Serbia for a welterweight main event between local Uros Medic and Daniel Rodriguez. This UFC Belgrade card is loaded up with incredible fights with some great spots to look for some high-value MMA bets, picks, and predictions.
In today’s column, we’re looking for the best play on the entire slate of prelim fights for you to exploit. Come check out our best bet for these UFC Belgrade prelims.
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Prelim Pick of the Week: UFC Belgrade
UFC Heavyweight Fight: Jovan Leka vs Alexander Poppeck
Start Time: Saturday (8/1) 10:00am EST (Paramount+)
On Saturday, the UFC has a load of fighters making their UFC debuts. The first card in the area in some time has brought a ton of new talent to the card. Our pick for this week comes in a newcomer vs newcomer fight – one where the value is all on one side.
Jovan Leka likely should have already made his UFC debut. Back in October of 2025, he faced tough Russian heavyweight, Azamat Nuftillaev on Dana White’s Contender Series. He kept a composed gameplan, outstriking his opponent and making good of each of his control positions. When all was said and done, he had landed more than 100 strikes and racked up over seven minutes of control time. That apparently was not good enough for Dana White as he passed on the 23-year old prospect. That is, he passed on him until now.
Now he gets a favorable matchup in his UFC debut. After some shuffling of opponents, they’ve landed on Alexander Poppeck, who comes to us from Oktagon MMA. The problem with this matchup for Poppeck is that he is really a light heavyweight. He fought five of his last six fights at light heavyweight with the other being at a 195lbs catchweight. He’s shown some issues with being controlled for too long and as a result, should be perfect for Leka to take down and beat up.
UFC Belgrade Prelim Pick: Jovan Leka ML (-225)
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