Aleksandar Rakić Bio
Aleksandar Rakić is a Serbian mixed martial artist born on February 6, 1992, in Vienna, Austria. He competes in the Light Heavyweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) and has built a reputation for his powerful striking and athleticism since beginning his professional career in 2011.
Early Life and Background
Aleksandar Rakić was born and raised in Vienna, Austria, into a Serbian family. As a child, he played football but was expelled from the team due to aggressive behavior. At age 12, he began training in kickboxing and boxing, accumulating over 40 fights by the time he was 20 years old. To support himself while training, he worked at a hotel during his early years.
Path to MMA
After a successful kickboxing career, Rakić transitioned to mixed martial arts seeking a new challenge. He started his professional MMA career in 2011, competing primarily in the European circuit. His early success, compiling an 8–1 record, led to his signing with the UFC in March 2017.
Aleksandar Rakić Career
Early Career (2011–2017)
Rakić began fighting professionally in 2011, primarily in European promotions. He quickly established himself as a promising prospect with a strong striking base and athleticism. His record of 8 wins and 1 loss on the regional circuit earned him a contract with the UFC in 2017.
Ultimate Fighting Championship Breakthrough (2017–Present)
Aleksandar Rakić made his UFC debut on September 2, 2017, at UFC Fight Night 115 in Rotterdam, Netherlands, defeating Francimar Barroso by unanimous decision. He continued to build momentum with wins over Justin Ledet and Devin Clark, showcasing his striking and finishing ability. On June 1, 2019, Rakić scored a highlight knockout victory over Jimi Manuwa with a head kick in under a minute, earning his first Performance of the Night bonus.
Rakić faced setbacks including a split decision loss to Volkan Oezdemir in December 2019 and a technical knockout loss to Jan Błachowicz in May 2022 after suffering a torn ACL. Despite injuries, he signed a new six-fight contract with the UFC in 2020 and secured notable wins over Anthony Smith and Thiago Santos. His recent bouts include a technical knockout loss to Jiří Procházka in April 2024 and a unanimous decision loss to Magomed Ankalaev in October 2024.
Gym 23 American Top Team Era (Present)
Currently training with Gym 23 American Top Team in Vienna, Austria, Rakić continues to compete in the UFC Light Heavyweight division. Known by the nickname “Rocket,” he maintains a brown belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and focuses on refining his striking and grappling skills to climb the rankings.
Driving Style and Strengths
Rakić is recognized for his powerful striking, particularly his kicks and boxing combinations. His athleticism and reach advantage allow him to control distance effectively. He combines technical striking with solid grappling defense, making him a well-rounded competitor in the Light Heavyweight division.
Notable Events and Milestones
Key moments in Rakić’s career include his UFC debut victory in 2017, the knockout win over Jimi Manuwa that earned him a Performance of the Night bonus, and his resilience in returning from a serious knee injury sustained before his fight with Jan Błachowicz.
Aleksandar Rakić Career Wins
Throughout his career, Aleksandar Rakić has accumulated 14 wins in mixed martial arts, with victories coming by knockout, submission, and decision. His record reflects his versatility and finishing ability in the Light Heavyweight division.
UFC Highlights
Rakić has secured multiple wins in the UFC, including notable finishes against Devin Clark and Jimi Manuwa. His first UFC win was a unanimous decision over Francimar Barroso, and his most recent victories include unanimous decisions over Anthony Smith and Thiago Santos. He has demonstrated consistent performance against top contenders in the division.
Other Wins & Performances
Prior to joining the UFC, Rakić compiled an 8–1 record competing in European MMA promotions, showcasing his striking prowess and adaptability. His early career success laid the foundation for his transition to the global stage.
Aleksandar Rakić Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Aleksandar Rakić was born into a Serbian family residing in Vienna, Austria. Details about his parents or extended family are not publicly documented.
Personal Life
Rakić currently resides in Vienna, Austria. Information about his marital status or children is not publicly available.
2025 Season Performance
In 2025, Aleksandar Rakić faced undefeated prospect Azamat Murzakanov at UFC 321, where he suffered a technical knockout loss in the first round. Despite recent setbacks, Rakić remains an active competitor aiming to regain momentum in the Light Heavyweight division. Training with Gym 23 American Top Team, he continues to develop his skills and seeks opportunities to return to the top ranks of the UFC.