Former Champion Returns on UFC Event in Serbia After Injury

The UFC will stage its first event in Serbia on August 1 at Belgrade Arena, with twelve bouts announced for the card. A former light heavyweight champion is set to return against an opponent he previously fought to a draw. The matchup was originally planned for May but was removed after the champion sustained a torn meniscus during training.

The champion had already missed a full year of competition after shoulder surgeries in 2024. He later stated that the procedures reduced his power output by about 40 percent. Another former champion in the same weight class also underwent shoulder surgery and has recorded several losses since returning.

The champion remains the number-four ranked contender in the division despite not winning since 2022. His opponent, ranked number ten, will have the chance to move into the top five with a victory. The event will also feature a welterweight bout between two additional fighters and other matchups still to be confirmed.