Uros Medic says Daniel Rodriguez's legal troubles tarnish their reputations ahead of UFC Belgrade bout

Uros Medic, who will face Daniel Rodriguez in the UFC’s first main event in Serbia, said Rodriguez’s recent eight-month detention in Mexico for marijuana possession casts a negative light on both athletes. Both fighters enter the five-round welterweight contest on three-fight winning streaks, with Rodriguez returning after his release in April and Medic coming off a first-round knockout of Geoff Neal in February.

"It’s obviously unfortunate to hear anytime an athlete is going through some struggles and getting in trouble with the law… It puts a stain on all of our names. I don’t respect that," Medic told MMA Fighting.

Medic acknowledged that mistakes happen but emphasized his own commitment to professionalism and avoiding controversy. He added that he does not intend to capitalize on Rodriguez’s situation and will focus on winning when the fight takes place.

"I’m not the type of fighter that’s going to be a controversial person… I’m a professional athlete. I study, I try to act accordingly," he said.

Medic described the Belgrade event as historic for himself and the UFC, expressing confidence that a victory would please the sold-out crowd at Belgrade Arena.