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Meridian Holdings UFC Belgrade sponsorship and aftermath

Updated 4 times since CLSTR started tracking revisions of this situation.

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2026-08-01 22:43 UTC → 2026-08-17 20:31 UTC · added removed

Meridian Holdings UFC Belgrade sponsorship and aftermath

Meridian Holdings Inc., via its Serbian betting arm Meridianbet, is served as the official sponsor of UFC Fight Night Serbia, the first UFC event in the country, held on 1 August 2026 at Belgrade Arena. The agreement gives partnership provided Meridianbet with exclusive branding inside the Octagon, logo placement on fight posters and round cards, an in‑venue in-venue commercial, a digital‑media campaign digital-media campaign, and sole sports‑betting sports-betting rights for the night. The card was broadcast live in the United States on Paramount+ and internationally through UFC partners, drawing millions of viewers worldwide. CEO William Scott said noted the partnership highlights celebrated Meridianbet’s 25‑year 25-year legacy in Serbia and its commitment to delivering high‑quality entertainment and betting options to a global audience. Serbian fighters dominated the event. In his professional debut, Uroš Medić stopped American Daniel Rodriguez by TKO 30 seconds into the first round. Aleksandar Rakić earned a unanimous‑decision win over Poland’s Marcin Tybura, ending a five‑year winless streak for Serbian competitors at a UFC card. Borislav Nikolić also won his debut, defeating Russian Mark Vologdin, but faced criticism for entering the cage to a nationalist song referencing Kosovo, Dubrovnik and Knin. A disputed technical stoppage saw Bogdan Grad awarded a victory over Dennis Buzukja, who later claimed the referee misinterpreted his actions. Serbia. The event attracted drew a record live audience of 18,623, with high‑profile 18,623 and featured high-profile guests including UFC president Dana White, former U.S. envoy Richard Grenell Grenell, and Serbian Finance Minister Siniša Mali. Serbian fighters saw significant success, including TKO victories by Uroš Medić and Aleksandar Rakić. However, the event faced scrutiny regarding Borislav Nikolić’s use of a nationalist song and a disputed technical stoppage involving Bogdan Grad. A large banner reading “President Trump — Serbia Welcomes You!” was displayed, prompting welcoming former President Donald Trump to acknowledge it prompted a social media response from him on his Truth Social account, sparking social‑media reaction Social. Following the event’s success, which reportedly generated approximately $2.5 million in both countries. The co‑main event featured former champion Jan Blachowicz versus Navajo Stirling, ticket revenue, UFC CEO Dana White expressed strong interest in returning to the city, stating, “This place delivered everything it was advertised to do. This is a great city, great people and walk‑out music ranged from Led Zeppelin’s “Immigrant Song” it met all expectations. Absolutely yes, we will be back!” Reports suggest the UFC may return to an unreleased rap track for Rodriguez. Belgrade in August 2027.

Versions

  1. 2026-08-17 20:31 UTC Meridian Holdings UFC Belgrade sponsorship and aftermath
  2. 2026-08-01 22:43 UTC Meridian Holdings UFC Belgrade sponsorship
  3. 2026-08-01 21:01 UTC Meridian Holdings UFC Belgrade sponsorship
  4. 2026-08-01 19:14 UTC Meridian Holdings UFC Belgrade sponsorship
  5. 2026-08-01 17:33 UTC Meridian Holdings UFC Belgrade sponsorship

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