Aleksandar Rakić

Background Rakić was born and raised in Vienna, Austria, into a Serb family. As a child, he played football. However, he was aggressive up to a point where he was expelled from the team.

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 2 September 2017, against Francimar Barroso at UFC Fight Night 115 in Rotterdam, Netherlands. He won the fight via unanimous decision.

Rakić was expected to face Gadzhimurad Antigulov on 24 February 2018, at UFC on Fox 28. However, it was reported on 7 February 2018, that Antigulov was pulled from the fight, citing injury, as a result, the bout was cancelled.

His next fight came on 22 July 2018, at UFC Fight Night 134 against Justin Ledet. He won the fight via unanimous decision.

Rakić faced Devin Clark on 8 December 2018, at UFC 231. He won the fight by TKO in the first round.

Rakić next faced Jimi Manuwa on 1 June 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 21 December 2019, at UFC Fight Night 165 He lost the fight via split decision. 7 out of 8 media members scored the fight for Rakić.

On 17 February 2020, Rakić announced on his social media that he had signed a new, six-fight contract with the UFC.

Rakić faced Anthony Smith on 29 August 2020, at UFC Fight Night 175. He won the fight via unanimous decision.

Rakić faced Thiago Santos on 6 March 2021, at UFC 259. He won the fight via unanimous decision.

Rakić was scheduled to face former UFC Light Heavyweight champion Jan Błachowicz on 26 March 2022, at UFC on ESPN 33. However, in late January, Błachowicz withdrew due to an injury and the bout was rescheduled for UFC on ESPN 36 on 14 May 2022. Rakić lost the fight via technical knockout in round three after being rendered unable to continue after tearing his anterior cruciate ligament. He hurt his knee three weeks prior to the fight during sparring.

After a nearly two-year layoff, Rakić was set to make his return to face Jan Błachowicz in a rematch on 20 January 2024, at UFC 297. However, Błachowicz withdrew due to shoulder surgery. Rakić was then booked to instead face former UFC Light Heavyweight champion Jiří Procházka on 13 April 2024 at UFC 300. Despite landing numerous leg kicks, Rakić lost the bout by technical knockout in the second round.

Rakić faced Magomed Ankalaev on 26 October 2024 at UFC 308. He lost the fight via unanimous decision.

Rakić faced undefeated prospect Azamat Murzakanov on 25 October 2025 at UFC 321. He lost the fight by technical knockout in the first round.

Moving up to heavyweight, Rakić faced Marcin Tybura on 1 August 2026 at UFC Fight Night 283. He won the fight by unanimous decision.

Championships and accomplishments Ultimate Fighting Championship Performance of the Night (One time) UFC Honors Awards 2019: Fan's Choice Knockout of the Year Nominee UFC.com Awards 2019: Ranked #3 Knockout of the Year

Mixed martial arts record Win

Marcin Tybura Decision (unanimous) UFC Fight Night: Medić vs. Rodriguez

Belgrade, Serbia Loss

Azamat Murzakanov TKO (punches) UFC 321

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates Loss

Magomed Ankalaev Decision (unanimous) UFC 308

Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates Loss

Jiří Procházka TKO (punches) UFC 300

Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Loss

Jan Błachowicz TKO (knee injury) UFC on ESPN: Błachowicz vs. Rakić

Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Win

Thiago Santos Decision (unanimous) UFC 259

Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Win

Anthony Smith Decision (unanimous) UFC Fight Night: Smith vs. Rakić

Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Loss

Volkan Oezdemir Decision (split) UFC Fight Night: Edgar vs. The Korean Zombie

Busan, South Korea Win

Jimi Manuwa KO (head kick) UFC Fight Night: Gustafsson vs. Smith

Stockholm, Sweden Win

Devin Clark TKO (punches) UFC 231

Toronto, Ontario, Canada Win

Justin Ledet Decision (unanimous) UFC Fight Night: Shogun vs. Smith

Hamburg, Germany Win

Francimar Barroso Decision (unanimous) UFC Fight Night: Volkov vs. Struve

Rotterdam, Netherlands Win

Sergio Souza TKO (punches) Austrian Fight Challenge 5

Vienna, Austria Win

Martin Batur KO (punch) Austrian Fight Challenge 1

Vienna, Austria Win

Marcin Prachnio TKO (punches) Final Fight Championship 16

Vienna, Austria Win

Norbert Péter TKO (punches) Heimgala 2

Vienna, Austria Win

Péter Rozmaring Submission (north-south choke) Vendetta: Rookies 2

Vienna, Austria Win

Laszlo Czene KO (head kick) World Freefight Challenge: Challengers 3

Vienna, Austria Win

Richard Longhimo TKO (punches) Vendetta Fight Nights 3

Vienna, Austria Win

Carsten Lorenz TKO (punches) Free Fight Association: New Talents 15

Erfurt, Germany Loss

Christian Radke Submission (guillotine choke) Rock the Cage 2

Greifswald, Germany