UFC signs heavyweight prospect once rejected by Dana White

TL;DR

The UFC has signed a heavyweight prospect previously rejected by Dana White, aiming to bolster its struggling heavyweight division. This move comes as the division faces challenges following Francis Ngannou's departure and Tom Aspinall's injury.

Key points

UFC signs heavyweight prospect rejected by Dana White
Heavyweight division struggling after Francis Ngannou's departure
Tom Aspinall out due to eye issues

Photo by Mat Hayward/Getty Images

Another heavyweight prospect has joined the UFC, as the promotion tries to strengthen what’s become one of its thinnest divisions.

Since Francis Ngannou left and vacated his title, the weight class has struggled to regain any real momentum.

Tom Aspinall, the current champion, is still out of action while he deals with lingering eye issues from his fight against Ciryl Gane. In his absence, an interim title bout between Gane and Alex Pereira is set to take place.

The UFC keeps adding names in an effort to bring back some depth and restore a bit of excitement to a division that’s fallen behind others in the sport.

Serbian heavyweight Jovan Leka added to UFC Belgrade

Photo by Maxim Konankov/NurPhoto via Getty Images

The UFC has confirmed its first-ever event in Serbia, scheduled for August 1 at the Belgrade Arena. The announcement has been met with plenty of anticipation, particularly from fans hoping to see local talent featured on the card.

There’s already growing speculation that Leon Edwards could be in line to headline the event, potentially facing off against Uros Medic, who is currently Serbia’s top-ranked fighter.

With limited Serbian representation on the roster, it’s expected the UFC will look to sign several regional fighters ahead of the event. One of those moves is already confirmed: 24-year-old heavyweight prospect Jovan Leka has been booked for his debut against Max Gimenis.

Leka holds a 13-2 record since making his professional debut in 2022 and was previously a champion with ARMMADA, a regional MMA promotion. He had an earlier chance to join the UFC through Dana White’s Contender Series last October but wasn’t offered a contract despite winning by unanimous decision.

White spoke to Leka after that bout, saying: “I’ve got some good news and some bad news. The good news is you’re only 23 years old, you’re 11-2. I didn’t love your fight; you’ve got plenty of time to make your way back here. You’ve got nothing but time. Stay busy and hopefully we’ll see you again soon.”

Leka won’t be the only newcomer on the card. Vlasto Cepo is also set for his UFC debut, where he’ll face Gilbert Urbina. Cepo brings a 14-3 record and experience under the Oktagon banner and holds a boxing draw against former UFC fighter Hector Lombard.

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Q&A

Who is the heavyweight prospect signed by the UFC?

The article does not specify the name of the heavyweight prospect signed by the UFC.

Why is the UFC signing new heavyweights now?

The UFC is looking to strengthen its heavyweight division, which has become one of the thinnest following Francis Ngannou's departure.

What is the current status of the UFC heavyweight division?

The division is currently facing challenges, with Tom Aspinall out due to injury and an interim title bout scheduled between Ciryl Gane and Alex Pereira.