Robert Valentin defeated Duško Todorović via first-round submission at the UFC Belgrade event on Saturday, Aug. 1, 2026 [1].
The victory marks a critical turning point for Valentin, who sought to rediscover his passion for mixed martial arts while competing in a hostile environment against a hometown favorite.
Valentin secured the win using a guillotine choke, forcing the Serbian middleweight to tap out during the first round [2]. The submission ended the contest early and provided Valentin with his second win since joining the UFC [3].
Following the fight, Valentin addressed the difficulty of the early exchange. "Had to weather the storm," Valentin said [4].
The Swiss fighter entered the bout motivated by a personal need to reconnect with the sport and secure a definitive result in the middleweight division [5]. By defeating Todorović in Belgrade, Valentin managed to overcome both the physical challenge of the opponent and the psychological pressure of the venue [3].
This result improves Valentin's standing within the promotion and validates his recent training camp. The first-round finish ensures he remains a viable contender in the middleweight bracket as the organization looks toward future matchmaking [3].
“"Had to weather the storm"”
Valentin's ability to secure a first-round finish on the road demonstrates a high level of mental resilience and technical precision. By overcoming Todorović in Serbia, Valentin has not only improved his professional record but has also established himself as a dangerous submission threat in the middleweight division, likely increasing his leverage for future fight placements.
