Being a European fan of the UFC is a thankless process. Destroying your sleep schedule each Saturday is as unproductive because it will get. Consuming sufficient power drinks to kill a small cow simply to catch the primary occasion can’t be wholesome. Nevertheless, I, like so many others, put myself by means of this weekly to see my favorite athletes carry out. Even when the UFC travels to our shores, the cardboard time should still be set for his or her American viewers. It’s straightforward to really feel ignored and unseen as a European fan of the organisation. Nonetheless, there seems to be gentle on the finish of the tunnel.
The First Domino to Fall?
UFC Belgrade was some of the thrilling bulletins I’ve seen in a while. In 774 UFC events, the corporate has by no means graced Serbia with its presence. A visit to the Balkans is an attractive prospect, with many elite fighters hailing from the area. From Aleksandr Rakic to Duško Todorovic to Uros Medić, Serbia has quietly turn into a rising pressure within the sport. Serbia looks like a deserved stage for the game’s highest degree of competitors. Followers from this facet of the world have lengthy known as for the organisation to develop their presence on the continent. Regardless of previous journeys to Germany, Sweden, Poland, and lots of different international locations, the UFC has solely travelled to the UK and France since COVID. This isn’t adequate. With an enormous following from Europe, big, passionate fanbases lie dormant, able to explode right into a rampant environment. As proven within the aforementioned UK and Paris. Each London and Paris have produced among the biggest atmospheres the game has ever seen. Benoit Saint-Denis’ dismantling of Mauricio Ruffy produced one of many largest crowd pops I’ve ever heard in my life again in September.
A Worthy Principal Occasion?
If the UFC is to take full benefit of the chance in entrance of them, they’ll want a predominant occasion worthy of the event. Effectively, I’ve that predominant occasion.
Aleksandr Rakić vs Brando Peričić seems to be an ideal matchup on paper. Born of Croatian descent, Peričić presents a possibility for the corporate to stage a Battle of the Balkans bout, Croatia vs Serbia, a knockout artist vs elite kickboxer; it merely doesn’t get extra engaging. Peričić has exploded onto the scene since making his debut final 12 months. 3-0https://www.lowkickmma.com/potential-serbian-debutants-at-ufc-belgrade/ within the firm, with all 3 wins coming by the use of vicious KO. “The Balkan Bear” has injected some much-needed life right into a division left in tatters. His current dismantling of Shamil Gaziev confirmed simply how good he’s. Mixture after mixture landed till a ferocious proper hook despatched Gaziev crashing to the canvas, securing a second-round stoppage for Peričić. Now, a step-up in competitors is required. Who higher to be that step up than a beforehand top-5-ranked fighter?
Aleksandr Rakic has been hit with a merciless run of misfortune. After his 2021 victory over Thiago Santos, it appeared as if Rakić was destined to problem for gold at LHW. Nevertheless, a crushing knee damage sustained in his ensuing struggle with Jan Blachowicz noticed his profession run off track. A 2-year layoff adopted, with “Rocket” lastly making his return in 2024. Most would ease their method again into the fireplace, however not Rakić. Jiri Prochazka, Magomed Ankalaev, and Azamat Murzakanov. Three elite fighters back-to-back-to-back, three losses recorded. In fact, Rakić’s run has been nothing wanting a cauldron of competitors. Now, he has made the transfer as much as heavyweight, determined for a win.
If the Serbian Rakić may take down a surging contender like Peričić, he may re-establish himself as a contender, albeit in a brand new division. For the UFC, this predominant occasion is assured fireworks. Two males keen to stroll into the firefight, weapons ablaze. A violent, putting battle would really feel virtually inevitable, with a raucous Serbian environment in retailer.
This occasion have to be successful. European crowds have confirmed they’re prepared in current instances, not solely in Paris and London, however throughout Europe, with the likes of OKTAGON displaying simply how particular these atmospheres will be. There’s a sleeping big able to spring awake; all of the UFC has to do is sound the alarm.
