Alexander Poppeck makes UFC debut against Jovan Leka in Belgrade

German fighter Alexander Poppeck will make his UFC debut at heavyweight against hometown favorite Jovan Leka at UFC Belgrade on Aug. 1 at Belgrade Arena, Sherdog reports.

Poppeck, who typically competes at light heavyweight, holds a 21-5 record and rides a six-fight unbeaten streak dating to 2023, with four finishes in that span. The 34-year-old previously appeared on Dana White's Contender Series in 2019, where he lost to Jamahal Hill by knockout, and has since become one of Oktagon MMA's top names.

Leka brings six-fight win streak to UFC debut in Serbia

Leka enters the Octagon with a 13-2 mark and six consecutive victories, four by stoppage. The 24-year-old earned a win on Contender Series last year but did not receive a contract from UFC officials at the time. He then recorded two more finishes outside the promotion before the Belgrade booking came through.

The bout will give the Serbian crowd a local debutant to support while Poppeck tests heavyweight waters for the first time in the UFC. Both fighters bring momentum into their first Octagon appearances.

Reported via:

• Sherdog — Serbian crowd gets its own UFC debut fighter versus European veteran