TLDR
- Uros Medic knocked out ranked welterweight Geoff Neal in just 79 seconds at UFC Houston
- The win gives Medic three straight first-round finishes in the welterweight division
- Neal has now lost four of his last five fights, including two straight first-round knockouts
- Medic earned a $50,000 performance bonus and called out former champion Leon Edwards
- President Trump helped Medic resolve travel restrictions to return home to Serbia
Sources: deadspin.com | empiresportsmedia.com
Uros Medic delivered the most impressive performance of his UFC career Saturday night at UFC Houston, knocking out ranked welterweight Geoff Neal in just 79 seconds. The Serbian fighter now has three straight first-round finishes.
Medic came out with heavy pressure from the opening bell, pushing Neal backward and controlling the pace. A clean left hand landed flush on Neal during an early exchange, dropping him face-first to the canvas and ending the fight.
Neal entered the bout ranked 12th in the welterweight division. The knockout gives Medic his first win over a ranked opponent.
Neal’s Struggles Continue
The loss marks Neal’s fourth defeat in his last five fights. He has now been knocked out in the first round in back-to-back fights, previously losing to Carlos Prates at UFC 319.
Neal has lost six of his last nine contests overall. His ranking is expected to drop when the UFC updates its official standings this week.
Medic stands 6’1″ and originally competed at lightweight when he joined the UFC after winning on Dana White’s Contender Series in 2020. He moved up to welterweight in 2023 after struggling to make the 155-pound limit.
The Serbian fighter started his welterweight run with a 2-2 record. His current three-fight winning streak includes first-round finishes of Gilbert Urbina and Muslik Salikhov in 2025.
Presidential Intervention Solves Travel Issues
Medic earned a $50,000 performance bonus for the knockout, bringing his total night earnings to over $100,000. He used his post-fight interview to make a play on words about Houston having a problem, calling himself “the problem” of the welterweight division.
He called out former welterweight champion Leon Edwards for a future fight. Medic also made an unusual request during his interview, asking President Donald Trump for help returning to Serbia.
The request worked. Backstage after the event, Medic spoke with President Trump, who helped resolve the fighter’s travel restrictions to Serbia. The president ensured Medic could return to his family without difficulty.
Medic becomes the latest welterweight contender to break into the rankings with an impressive knockout. His striking power has now resulted in three consecutive first-round stoppages at 170 pounds.
Experts suggest Medic’s next opponent will likely be another ranked welterweight. Daniel Rodriguez, ranked 13th and riding a three-fight winning streak, has been mentioned as a potential matchup.
The UFC has not announced Medic’s next fight or when he plans to compete again. He is expected to return to Serbia to be with his family before scheduling his next bout.
