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Uros Medic has revealed he suffered a significant knee injury just days before the biggest fight of his UFC career but never considered pulling out of the main event.
The Serbian fighter (14-3 MMA, 8-3 UFC) was preparing for his UFC Fight Night 283 headliner against Daniel Rodriguez (20-6 MMA, 10-5 UFC) when an ordinary warm-up session took an unexpected turn.
Speaking to MMA Junkie, Medic explained that his knee suddenly gave way.
"We were just warming up when my knee popped out of place. I tried to straighten my leg and it went back in, but it immediately started swelling. I knew something wasn't right."
Medical examinations at the UFC Performance Institute initially suggested a meniscus injury, although the ACL appeared to be intact.
The diagnosis shocked Medic and his team, especially with the UFC's first-ever event in Serbia only days away.
"Everyone was scared, but I told them, 'I'm fighting no matter what. Even if I have to do it on one leg, I'm walking into that cage.'"
Determined to keep the injury secret
Despite the pain, withdrawing from the fight was never an option.
Medic credited the UFC Performance Institute staff for helping him recover enough to compete, although he admitted the days before the event were far more difficult than the fight itself.
"They did an incredible job. I was limping throughout fight week and praying nobody would notice, because I didn't want my opponent to know I was injured."
The Serbian also revealed that the injury forced him to alter his entire preparation.
"I couldn't train the way I normally do. I couldn't grapple at all while cutting weight. But this is part of the sport. Many fighters have competed with even worse injuries."
Thirty-second finish despite the setback
Any concerns about Medic's condition disappeared once the fight began.
He needed just 30 seconds to stop Daniel Rodriguez, securing his fourth consecutive UFC victory and giving Serbian fans a memorable moment in the promotion's first event in the country.
Surgery planned, return expected before the end of 2026
Although the victory was emphatic, Medic confirmed that surgery is unavoidable.
According to the Serbian, doctors have recommended an arthroscopic procedure to repair the damaged meniscus.
"The doctors told me I need surgery, but fortunately it's an arthroscopic procedure. Recovery should take about a month. I'll meet with the orthopaedic surgeon again and hopefully have the operation as soon as possible so I can return before the end of the year."
Medic remains optimistic that the injury will not keep him out for long and is targeting another UFC appearance before the end of 2026.
