MMA
UFC Fight Night: Medic vs Rodriguez Predictions
The UFC heads to Serbia for the first time in its history this weekend, with Belgrade playing host to a fascinating welterweight Main Event. William Hill News are here to preview how this historic night might pan out.
Serbian fighter Uros Medic returns home to take on American veteran Daniel Rodriguez, who makes his comeback fresh off being released from prison in April. The American has been confined to prison walls for best part of a year, so will need to dust off some cobwebs before heading into this bout.
The fight is scheduled to take place on Saturday August 1st at the Belgrade Arena in Serbia, with the headline fight kicking-off at 6pm BST for fans in the UK.
The Prediction
On paper this looks to be a comfortable win for the Serbian who will be expected to perform well in front of his home crowd while 39-year-old Rodriguez who hasn’t stepped into an octagon for over a year will likely need to put in a career best performance after a long break. The market points towards an easy win for Medic, but at 3/1, D-Rod can’t be completely overlooked.
Our Prediction: Medic to win in Round 2 – 3/1
Medic enters the octagon with an average fight time of 3:59, so if he is to win, we anticipate it to be over in the early rounds. In contrast, Rodriguez tends to go the distance, with an 11:59 average tenure inside the octagon. We expect Rodriguez to weather the early storm, but for Medic to find his rhythm and capitalise on Rodriguez’s weaknesses and put things to bed early in the second round.
Medic to impress in front of a home crowd
Uros Medic has the home advantage for the first time in his, or any Serbian UFC fighter’s career, and will look to make the most of it. The Serb has a reputation for explosive striking and finishing ability and will again look to put an early end to this fight. On a three-fight win streak, Medic will look to continue this great form in front of a rocking home crowd.
Is there are case for a Rodriguez comeback?
Rodriguez comes into this one as the clear underdog having only been released from an eight-month prison sentence in April and at the age of 39. Many would say his prime is past him but having only entered his first MMA gym at the age of 25 and since maintaining a 20-5 record, the American is no stranger to beating the odds.
Saturday’s main event could turn out to be more competitive than the odds suggest, with Rodriguez’s experience and resilience likely to give Medic problems early on. However, the Serbian’s power and speed should eventually prove too much for the American.
*Prices accurate at the time of writing – odds subject to change*
