Uros Medic next opponent after UFC Belgrade is one of the most interesting questions in the welterweight division. After knocking out Daniel Rodriguez in 30 seconds on August 1, the Serbian fighter made his intentions clear in the post-fight interview: he wants a fight with former welterweight champion Leon Edwards — and he mentioned Carlos Prates as another option.
For MMA fans who want to follow Medic’s rise and the rest of the welterweight division, live coverage is available through dedicated UFC streams services that track every fight card.
Who Should Uros Medic Fight Next?
Medic named two targets after his win in Belgrade. Speaking at the post-fight press conference, he said he wants to fight Leon Edwards next, and he also mentioned Carlos Prates as a preferred opponent. Both would represent significant steps up in competition for the 31-year-old, who has been steadily building momentum since his five consecutive first-round knockouts.
Edwards is the bigger name and the bigger statement. The former welterweight champion, currently ranked around No. 8 in the division with a 22-6 record, has lost his last three fights, including a knockout loss to Prates in November 2025. A fight between Medic and Edwards would pit a surging finisher against a former champion looking to rebound — the kind of matchup that could headline a Fight Night card.
What Is Uros Medic’s Welterweight Ranking?
Medic is not yet ranked in the UFC’s official welterweight top 15, but his recent run has made him one of the most discussed unranked fighters in the division. His 30-second knockout of Rodriguez, a veteran with 20 wins and 10 UFC victories, was his most significant victory to date and his strongest argument for a ranked opponent next.
The welterweight division is crowded with contenders, and Medic’s lack of a ranking means the UFC will have options for how to build him. A fight with a ranked opponent like Edwards would give him the chance to jump into the top 15 with a win; a fight with a fellow unranked finisher like Prates would be a lower-risk way to continue his development. His team will likely push for the biggest available name, and the division’s depth gives them plenty of choices.
When Is Uros Medic’s Next Fight in 2026?
No date has been confirmed for Medic’s next appearance. UFC Fight Night cards are scheduled through the rest of 2026, and the promotion typically books fighters on a timeline that allows for adequate recovery and training camp. Given the speed of his win in Belgrade — 30 seconds of work with minimal damage taken — Medic could potentially return before the end of the year, but the UFC will likely look for a matchup that makes sense for his trajectory rather than rushing him back.
The most likely timeline is a return before the end of 2026, with the UFC matching him against a name that continues his momentum. Whether that is Edwards, Prates or another top-15 welterweight, the goal is clear: keep winning and force his way into the rankings conversation.
What Would a Fight with Leon Edwards Mean?
A fight with Edwards would be the biggest test of Medic’s career. Edwards is a former champion with wins over Kamaru Usman and Colby Covington, and even in a three-fight losing streak, he remains a dangerous and experienced operator. For Medic, beating a former champion would be the single biggest win of his career and would immediately establish him as a legitimate contender in the division.
There is also a narrative angle. Edwards’ most recent loss came against Prates, and a Medic-Edwards fight would create a natural storyline: the rising Serbian finisher against the former champion trying to rebuild. The UFC loves these kinds of matchups, and the promotion’s willingness to book exciting finishers in main events suggests Medic could get his wish. Whether it is Edwards, Prates or another name, Medic’s next fight will define the next chapter of his career.
From the UFC’s perspective, Medic is exactly the kind of fighter worth building around. He is a charismatic, aggressive finisher who can headline cards, and his Serbian fanbase adds a compelling international dimension to the promotion’s global expansion. A step up against a ranked opponent would test whether his five-fight knockout streak translates against elite competition — and whether he can become the star his home country clearly wants him to be. The next matchup announcement will be one of the most anticipated in the welterweight division.
Sources:
- Heavy: Uros Medic wants former UFC welterweight champion next
- Ringside 24: Uros Medic eyes Carlos Prates and Leon Edwards after KO
- FightSplit: Leon Edwards — record, stats and next fight
Last updated: August 3, 2026
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