Nine newcomers compete at UFC Belgrade with mixed results
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 2, 2026, 10:30 PM
Last updated Aug 2, 2026
At UFC Belgrade on August 1, 2026, nine rookies made their Octagon debuts, collectively finishing with a 5-4 record. Most of the newcomers either scored first-round finishes or were defeated in similar fashion. Michael Oliveira impressed with a dominant performance, finishing Oban Elliott quickly, while Vlasto Cepo suffered a quick loss to Gilbert Urbina. Noah Gugnon capitalized on an injury to Milos Janicic to secure a submission victory. The event showcased a mix of potential and pitfalls for these debutants as they adjust to the challenges of the UFC.
- •Nine rookies debuted at UFC Belgrade on August 1, 2026.
- •Michael Oliveira won by TKO against Oban Elliott in the first round.
- •Noah Gugnon submitted Milos Janicic in 90 seconds due to an injury.
- •Vlasto Cepo lost to Gilbert Urbina via first-round knockout.
- •Rookies ended the night with a combined record of 5-4.
- 10:30 PMYahoo Sports — Rookie Report Card: Grading all Octagon newcomers UFC Belgrade post-mortem
"You only get one Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) debut! NINE rookies stepped into the Octagon yesterday (Sat., Aug. 1, 2026) at UFC Belgrade inside Belgrade Arena in Belgrade, Serbia. Collectively, the newcomers went 5-4, with most of them either finishing opponents in the first round or getting finished themselves. Now that the dust has settled, […]
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