Aleksandar Rakic

Aleksandar Rakic, born on January 6, 1992, in Vienna, Austria, to Serbian parents, is one of the most physically imposing and technically talented light heavyweight contenders in the UFC. Standing at 6 feet 5 inches with an 82-inch reach, Rakic combines elite physical attributes with refined striking technique and developing grappling skills that have made him a perennial threat in one of MMA's most competitive divisions.

Rakic's martial arts journey began in Vienna, where the diverse combat sports community provided him with exposure to multiple disciplines from a young age. His Serbian heritage connected him to a proud tradition of wrestling and combat sports, while growing up in Austria gave him access to European-level kickboxing and boxing training. This multicultural martial arts education formed the foundation of a fighting style that blends power striking with strategic variety.

Before entering the UFC, Rakic compiled an impressive record on the European MMA circuit, competing primarily in promotions across Austria and Germany. His dominant performances, characterized by devastating knockouts and physical superiority over his opposition, attracted UFC attention. His signing with the promotion in 2017 represented the realization of a long-held ambition and the beginning of a chapter that would establish him among the division's elite.

Rakic's UFC debut was a spectacular knockout of Justin Ledet that immediately signaled his potential at the highest level. Subsequent victories over established fighters including Jimi Manuwa and Anthony Smith demonstrated that Rakic was not merely a prospect riding physical attributes but a genuinely skilled fighter capable of competing with top-ten opposition. His performance against Smith, in particular, was a masterclass in range management and power punching that earned him widespread recognition.

His fighting style is primarily built around his striking, which combines reach advantage exploitation with genuine power in both hands. His jab is a particularly effective weapon — thrown from distance with his extraordinary reach, it disrupts opponents' rhythm and sets up the power shots that follow. His leg kicks are another notable weapon, used both to damage and to establish range. When his leg kicks connect cleanly, they visibly compromise opponents' mobility and fighting stance, creating cascading advantages as fights progress.

Rakic's physical attributes set him apart in a division that is not short of large, powerful fighters. His height and reach provide natural advantages in stand-up exchanges, allowing him to strike from distances where opponents cannot effectively return fire. His frame carries significant muscle mass without sacrificing the mobility necessary for effective movement and defense. These physical gifts, combined with his technical striking ability, create a stylistic challenge that few light heavyweights are equipped to solve.

The fight against Jan Blachowicz in May 2022, despite ending in a loss due to a knee injury, demonstrated Rakic's willingness to compete at the championship level. He was performing well in the fight before the injury forced a stoppage, and the setback, while disappointing, did not diminish his standing as a legitimate contender. His rehabilitation from the knee injury and subsequent return to competition showed the resilience and determination that characterize successful elite fighters.

Rakic's grappling game, while not his primary weapon, has shown steady improvement throughout his career. His takedown defense has become increasingly reliable, and his ability to scramble back to his feet when taken down provides a safety net that allows him to fight primarily on his terms. The development of his ground game remains an ongoing project that, if successfully completed, could elevate him from contender to champion.

Representing Austria in the UFC has given Rakic a unique platform. While MMA has grown significantly in popularity across Europe, Austrian fighters remain relatively rare at the highest levels of the sport. Rakic's success has raised the profile of MMA in Austria and inspired a generation of Austrian combat sports athletes to consider careers in mixed martial arts.

His Serbian heritage adds another dimension to his fan base and identity. The passionate Serbian sports community has embraced Rakic as one of their own, and his fights attract significant attention from Serbian fans worldwide. His ability to bridge two cultures — Austrian by upbringing and Serbian by heritage — reflects the increasingly global nature of modern MMA.

Aleksandar Rakic's career trajectory, despite setbacks from injuries, continues to point upward. His combination of elite physical attributes, developing technical skills, and competitive ambition positions him as a fighter who remains capable of challenging for the UFC Light Heavyweight Championship.