Aleksandar Rakić
Aleksandar Rakić (fighter)
Born/Date of Birth: February 6, 1992
Place of Birth: Vienna, Austria
Nationality: Austrian
Height: 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m)
Weight: 205 lb (93 kg; 14 st 9 lb)
Division: Light heavyweight
Reach: 78 in (198 cm)
Style: Kickboxing, Boxing, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Fighting out of: Vienna, Austria
Team: Gym 23
Rank: Purple belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under Robert Pastuch
Aleksandar Rakić (born February 6, 1992) is an Austrian mixed martial artist of Serbian heritage currently competing in the Light Heavyweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). A professional since 2011, he has also competed for the Final Fight Championship in his native Austria. As of August 10, 2020, he is #8 in the UFC light heavyweight rankings.
Background
Rakić started competing in kickboxing and boxing when he was 14 years old and accumulated over 40 fights prior to transitioning into MMA when he was at the age of 19 as he wanted to incorporate grappling and wrestling into his fighting skills.
Mixed martial arts career
Early career
Rakić started his professional MMA career in 2011, competing primarily in the European circuit, and amassed a record of 8—1 before being signed by the UFC in March 2017.
Ultimate Fighting Championship
Rakić made his UFC debut on September 2, 2017 against Francimar Barroso at UFC Fight Night 115 in Rotterdam, Netherlands. He won the fight via unanimous decision (30–27, 30–27, and 30–27).
Rakić was expected to face Gadzhimurad Antigulov on February 24, 2018 at UFC on Fox 28. However, it was reported on February 7, 2018 that Antigulov was pulled from the fight, citing injury, as a result, the bout was cancelled.
His next fight came on July 22, 2018 at UFC Fight Night 134 against Justin Ledet. He won the fight via unanimous decision (30–25, 30–24, and 30–24).
Rakić faced Devin Clark on December 8, 2018 at UFC 231. He won the fight by TKO in the first round.
Rakić next faced Jimi Manuwa on June 1, 2019 at UFC Fight Night 153. He won the fight by knockout with a head kick in the opening minute of the fight. The win also earned his first Performance of the Night bonus award.
Rakić faced Volkan Oezdemir on December 21, 2019 at UFC on ESPN+ 23 He lost the fight via split decision.
On February 17, 2020, Rakić announced on his social media that he has signed a new, six-fight contract with the UFC.
Rakić is expected to face Anthony Smith on August 29, 2020 at UFC Fight Night 175.
