Nikolic vs M. Vologdin Prediction 1 August 2026
👊 The preliminary card of the first-ever UFC event in Serbia features a compelling bantamweight showdown. Russian prospect Mark Vologdin steps into the Octagon for another crucial bout in the world’s premier MMA promotion. Originally, Vologdin was slated to face Josias Musasa from Congo, but a late withdrawal forced a change of plans. Stepping up on short notice, hometown favorite Borislav Nikolic has answered the call, ready to take on this significant challenge in front of his home crowd.
Borislav Nikolic Player Overview
The 33-year-old Borislav Nikolic represents the local Serbian school of martial arts and has been competing professionally since 2018. Throughout his career, he has built an impressive record of 16 wins with just two losses, earning the Brave CF bantamweight title along the way. Nikolic made a powerful start to his career, winning nine of his first ten fights by stoppage, suffering his only early setback against seasoned veteran Brad Katona. In June of that year, Nikolic captured the prestigious championship by submitting Nicholas Hwende and went on to successfully defend his belt once. Now, stepping into the cage against a dangerous Russian opponent without the benefit of a full training camp will be a true test of Nikolic’s courage-and a golden opportunity to make his mark on the international stage.
Match Results: Borislav Nikolic
Mark Vologdin Player Overview
The Petrozavodsk native Mark Vologdin began his athletic career with the hard-hitting Kyokushin karate before making his professional debut at the end of 2018. After competing in domestic leagues, he moved to Sweden, where-under the guidance of Khamzat Chimaev-he captured the AFN title and defended it twice. In 2025, Vologdin delivered a no-nonsense, three-round battle on Dana White’s Contender Series, earning himself a UFC contract and a hefty performance bonus. In April, the Russian fighter made his Octagon debut, battling to a hard-fought draw against the durable John Castaneda.
Match Results: Mark Vologdin
⭐ Editor's Pick
The Serbian fighter enters the cage with a wealth of experience and will be buoyed by the electric home crowd in Belgrade. Nikolic is a well-rounded, crafty competitor who excels at capitalizing on his opponents’ mistakes. Mark Vologdin, on the other hand, steps into the octagon looking to entertain with explosive exchanges. At this stage, the Russian doesn’t appear to be focused on winning at all costs, and that mindset could prove costly in the world’s premier league. We believe Mark’s initial energy won’t be enough-he may start strong, but Nikolic’s experience and class should ultimately shine through. So, our pick in this matchup is Nikolic to win.
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