Dragan Tešanović

Background and early career

Tešanović is regarded as a well-rounded fighter, due to his "solid stand-up, great ground work and dangerous clinch game."^[2] Tešanović often utilises "soccer kicks" in fights, drawing on his footballing background.^[3]

In addition to his professional MMA career, Tešanović has placed first in five Serbian submission fighting competitions.^[2] He also holds a 5–1 record in amateur MMA and has been training since the age of 19.^[2]

In 2009, Tešanović was named as the sixth top prospect in Europe by Sherdog.^[2]

Tešanović's early career saw him compile a perfect 7–0 record, with three first round stoppages.^[1] Amongst this record was a decision victory over Antoni Chmielewski^[1] after dominating with knee strikes and effective takedown defence.^[4]

Tešanović was scheduled to make his English debut in December 2009 against Papy Abedi,^[5] though the fight never took place as Tešanović withdrew.^[6] His final appearance in his early career was against Gregor Herb.^[3] Tešanović won the fight via decision.^[1]

Bellator Fighting Championships

In August 2010, Tešanović signed with Bellator.^[7] Bellator CEO Bjorn Rebney stated that "Dragan Tešanović has tremendous potential to become a dominant middleweight" and that "his diverse training regime and quickly progressing skill-set set the table for him to make substantial impact in our 185 division".^[7]

Later, Tešanović signed to participate in his debut for the promotion. His opponent was named as Mike Bernhard, with the fight taking place at Bellator 34.^[8] Tešanović's previous seven fights^[1] have been held in Bulgaria,^[9] Serbia^{[10][11][12][13]} and Slovenia,^[14][15] making his Bellator 34 fight in Hollywood, Florida^[8] his North American debut. He lost the fight via unanimous decision (27–30, 28–29, 28–29).