UFC Fight Night: Medic vs. Rodriguez takes place this Saturday, August 1, 2026, live on Paramount+ from Belgrade Arena in Belgrade, Serbia. The card features an exciting blend of hometown favorites, ranked veterans, and rising prospects looking to make a statement.

Headlining the event is a welterweight showdown between Serbian fan favorite Uros Medic and veteran striker Daniel Rodriguez. Medic has become one of the division's most dangerous finishers with his explosive striking and aggressive pace, while Rodriguez enters looking to spoil the hometown celebration with his experience and boxing-heavy attack. The co-main event also features former UFC light heavyweight champion Jan Błachowicz taking on unbeaten rising contender Navajo Stirling in a pivotal matchup at 205 pounds.

With several intriguing prospects and multiple high-level matchups throughout the card, this Fight Night offers plenty of betting opportunities for MMA fans.

Below are my top UFC Fight Night predictions and best bets for Saturday night's event.

UFC Fight Night Predictions & Picks

Uroš Medić vs. Daniel Rodriguez

Pick: Uros Medic

Medić is all action, and his fights end quickly one way or the other.  As a massive favorite, I don’t want to play that line because although he has a ton of power, I don’t trust his chin as he gets close to -400.  Medic is going to push a pace, and likely get the KO or die trying in the early part of the fight, so let's take advantage of that tendency and get a better price.

  • Best Bet: Uros Medic to Win in Round 1 +110

Aleksander Rakic vs Marcin Tybura

Pick: Marcin Tybura

Rakic is quicker, younger, and has a lot of power, but this is a new weight class for him.  I expect Tybura to be able to control this fight against the cage and slow down the pace.  Rakic hasn’t won a fight in five years, so the fact he comes in as nearly a -300 favorite is absurd.  I’ll take a chance on a fighter who has won recently and is in his natural weight class.

  • Best Bet: Marcin Tybura ML +285

Vlasto Cepo vs. Gilbert Urbina

Pick: Vlasto Cepo

Cepo has built his reputation on aggressive striking and relentless pressure. Urbina has shown toughness throughout his UFC career, but Cepo appears to have the more dangerous offense and should be able to keep the fight standing, where he holds a significant advantage.  If this goes past five minutes, this fight should be lined closer to a pick’em, so I don’t want to use Cepo’s moneyline as a bet.

  • Best Bet: Cepo by Round 1 KO -145

 

 

 

How To Bet on UFC Fight Night Picks at DraftKings

Successful MMA betting often comes down to identifying stylistic advantages rather than simply comparing records. Some of the most popular betting markets include:

  • Moneyline
  • Method of Victory (KO/TKO, Submission, Decision)
  • Round Totals (Over/Under)
  • Same Game Parlays
  • Live Betting

Live betting can be particularly valuable during Fight Night events, especially when a fighter starts slowly or makes tactical adjustments after the opening round.

How to Watch UFC Fight Night: Medić vs. Rodriguez

Fans can stream the entire event live on Paramount+.

  • Date: Saturday, August 1, 2026
  • Preliminary Card: 10:00 AM ET
  • Main Card: 1:00 PM ET
  • Streaming Platform: Paramount+

 

 

 

UFC Fight Night Odds & Sportsbook Promotions

DraftKings, FanDuel, and other major sportsbooks are expected to offer boosted odds, parlay insurance, and fight-night promotions throughout the weekend. Be sure to compare prices across multiple sportsbooks, as betting lines often move following the official weigh-ins and any late-breaking news.

With a hometown main event, a high-stakes light heavyweight co-main event, and several rising prospects throughout the lineup, UFC Fight Night: Medić vs. Rodriguez has all the ingredients for another entertaining Saturday of action inside the Octagon. Look for favorable stylistic matchups, shop for the best betting prices, and enjoy another exciting night of UFC action.