Jovan Leka signs with UFC, gets Serbian homecoming vs. Max Gimenis

The UFC is bulking up its Serbian talent pool before it sets up shop in Belgrade. A UFC Fight Night event is slated for Aug. 1 at Belgrade Arena.

Home countryman Jovan Leka has signed with the promotion and will debut against Brazilian jiu-jitsu specialist Max Gimenis in a heavyweight bout. Two people with knowledge of the matchup recently informed MMA Junkie of the booking but asked to remain anonymous as the promotion has yet to make an official announcement. In a heavyweight landscape where highly-touted regional prospects are few and far between, Leka (13-2 MMA, 0-0 UFC) has been a name on talent evaluators' radars in recent months.

He competed on Dana White's Contender Series in 2025 and defeated Azamat Nuftillaev by unanimous decision, but did not earn a contract. Victories in Brave CF and ARMMADA extended his winning streak to six and earned him an official UFC contract. Gimenis (6-2 MMA, 0-1 UFC) entered the UFC as a decorated grappler and a Shogun Fights standout.

His promotional debut didn't go well, as he was quickly finished by Josh Hokit. Gimenis has five finishes in six pro victories. While no bouts are official for this card, Heavy has reported Serbia's Vlasto Cepo (14-3 MMA, 0-0 UFC) will also debut on the card against Gilbert Urbina (7-4 MMA, 1-3 UFC) in a middleweight bout.