From West Asia to Europe, the Ultimate Fighting Championship is back on our screens this weekend, August 1, with UFC Belgrade that’s headlined by Eros Medic and Daniel Rodriguez. Outside of the strikers’ delight we have in the main event, a 14-fight card has our wagering attention, so it’s only right that I share with you my full UFC Belgrade best bets, predictions, and UFC odds analysis to take advantage of at ibet.
- Bet on Rakic and Tybura O2.5 (1.82) on the UFC Belgrade main card at ibet.
- Oliveira by KO/TKO versus Elliott is a lock at 1.68 [-147] at ibet.
- Boost your bankroll with our competitive UFC odds at the ibet sportsbook!
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UFC Belgrade Best Bets
Aleksandar Rakic 1.24 (-417) vs. Marcin Tybura 3.65 (+265)
Matchup Edge: A weight class debutant in Rakic goes head-to-head with the heavyweight gatekeeper.
With Aleksandar Rakic riding a four-fight losing streak, the representative of Serbia will naturally be a hometown favorite this Saturday when testing the waters in the heavyweight division. We must stress that the level of competition during said losing streak is nothing to turn our noses up at, yet the veteran 34-year-old won’t be given a free ride for his rising weight-class debut.
Marcin Tybura has been the ultimate heavyweight gatekeeper. You defeat him, cool, you’ll get a shot inside the top rankings. You lose, however, and it’s most likely doom and gloom in your title aspirations, as he’s the measuring stick. He is, though, like Rakic, riding a losing streak (2) ahead of this bout.
Rakic vs. Tybura Prediction
I’m not worried about the size of Rakic; he should match up with Tybura pretty well in that department. I do, however, worry about the heavyweight debutant’s ability to finish fights, having failed to secure a KO/TKO or submission since 2019.
Tybura doesn’t exactly present a granite chin, but similar to Rakic, he’s more of a kicker than a boxer, and with the expectation of one another’s wrestling ability to cancel each other out, I wouldn’t be surprised to see more staring from range than we’d like in this bout.
From a betting perspective, I don’t believe Rakic should be as juiced as he is. Tybura is a sneaky underdog, after all. With that said, I do see the Serbian raising his hand, albeit with the likely involvement of the judges, so we’ll just have to back the over 2 ½ rounds for the betting value.
Rakic vs. Tybura Best Bet: Over 2.5 Rounds at 1.82 [-122]
Michael Oliveira 1.26 (-385) vs. Oban Elliott 3.47 (+247)
Matchup Edge: A scary UFC newcomer meets a former prospect that failed to live up to the hype.
It wasn’t so long ago that Oban ‘The Welsh Gangster’ Elliott was getting approval from Chael Sonnen for his nickname and looking to become a staple name in the welterweight rankings. Unfortunately, he’s been outclassed in back-to-back fights since last summer, and we may have overestimated his potential as he sits at 3-2 in the promotion.
For newcomer Michael Oliveira, he’s been paired with a respected name that most debutants are not, and that should tell you everything; the UFC has faith in this Brazilian savage.
Oliveira booked his ticket to the UFC with a brutal TKO last October, but more impressively, 90% of his pro career wins (9-0) came by knockout, and he’s yet to lose. He trains with the ‘KO Squad,’ though, so are we surprised?
Oliveira vs. Elliott Prediction
Oliveira’s former home, LFA, is becoming somewhat of a knockout machine, creating savages for the UFC, and Oliveira joins that list. Worse still, he doesn’t throw and hope; he’s technically and pretty savvy with it.
This doesn’t look good for Elliott, whose head movement has been less than desirable whilst managing to avoid a knockout in the UFC thus far. Oliveira is ripped, an athletic freak some would say, and his huge frame and predator-like style can easily give him an impressive knockout win in Serbia versus a confidence-drained Elliott.
Oliveira vs. Elliott Best Bet: Oliveira by KO/TKO at 1.68 [-147]
Jovan Leka 1.40 (-250) vs. Alexander Poppeck 2.70 (+170)
Matchup Edge: A genuine debut versus a last-minute call-up could go wrong for the underdog.
After failing to receive a contract on Dana White’s Contender Series despite winning, Jovan Leka proved to the promotion why they’d shown initial interest by returning to the regionals and blasting through two more foes. But after Max Gimenis pulled out, a new opponent was required for the local Serbian, and 205-lber Alexander Poppeck jumped at it.
Poppeck, an OKTAGON regular, lost his opportunity to join the UFC many moons ago when he lost to Jamahal Hill. So, it’s natural that he’d accept this opportunity. However, a choice isn’t always the right choice, and a weight-class move up to heavyweight, aged 34, versus a young and hungry local city favorite might not be the welcome party he hopes for.
Leka vs. Poppeck Prediction
Don’t get me wrong, Poppeck might survive on the UFC roster. Unfortunately for him, a run at 34 years old isn’t ideal, especially as a light heavyweight regular going against a natural heavyweight behind a full fight camp.
At 6’5” with a 79” reach, Leka’s knockout credibility is real. A significantly smaller Leka can certainly stand and bang, but this youngster isn’t the person you want to do that against.
Jovan Leka by knockout does make sense, however, because you never know when a crafty vet like Poppeck can do enough to survive; we’ll add the double chance (KO or decision) to be safe.
Leka vs. Poppeck Best Bet: Jovan Leka by KO/TKO or Decision 1.83 [-120]
UFC Belgrade Best Bets Information
- Date & Time: Saturday, August 1, 2026 – 4:00 p.m. CET
- Location: Belgrade Arena, Serbia
- How to Watch: UFC Fight Pass & Paramount+
- Scheduled Fights: 14
- Main Event Bout: Uros Medic vs. Daniel Rodriguez
- Co-Main Event Bout: Jan Blachowicz vs. Navajo Stirling
