Currently ranked no.7 in the UFC’s light heavyweight division, Aleksandar Rakic has made a name for himself with his explosive striking. ‘Rocket’ has compiled 14 professional wins and fought some of the best, including Magomed Ankalaev, Anthony Smith, and Jan Blachowicz. 

Yet, beyond the cage, fans often ask a simple question: Is Aleksandar Rakić Austrian or Serbian? Now, as he prepares for his return at UFC 321 against Azamat Murzakanov, his identity remains a point of fascination. So where do his roots really lie? Let’s take a closer look at the man behind the fighter.

Aleksandar Rakić’s Austrian Nationality and Early Life

Aleksandar Rakić was born on February 6, 1992, in Vienna, Austria, but he is of Serbian descent. In the UFC, however, he represents Austria. This makes sense considering he has spent most of his life in the country.

Rakic finished his schooling in Austria and was also a state champion in kickboxing there. As a child, he was really into playing football. However, he was shown the door by the team because he was just too aggressive for it all. The next sports he found himself feeling inclined towards were ones where he could show aggression all he wanted.

At about the age of 12, Rakić started training in boxing and kickboxing. By the time he was 20 years old, he had already fought 40 times, and not much later, he decided to transition to MMA. In fact, the Austrian even worked at a hotel just to support himself through all the training!  But where did his fire truly come from? For that, you have to look a little deeper, toward his roots.

Aleksandar Rakić’s Serbian Ethnicity and Family Heritage

Not a lot of information is available about Aleksandar Rakic’s parents, family, or religion, as the fighter prefers to keep that side of his life away from the spotlight that comes with being a UFC star. But from what we can gather through available sources, though born in Austria, Rakić’s heritage traces directly to Serbia. His parents may have been Serbian immigrants who settled in Vienna, bringing with them their traditions, language, and unbreakable work ethic.

Aleksandar Rakić was already interested in boxing and kickboxing early on and at the age of 16, when he met Muay Thai specialist Günter Strasser, his journey in the sport started taking off. The gym he met him at was called Fight Club Vienna. 

At the age of 20, he finally turned professional, giving all his training and amateur bouts the credit that they deserved. He joined the UFC with an 8-1 MMA record garnered over 6 years, in events held in Austria and Germany. If he earns a shot at the UFC 205 lbs title, fans can expect ‘Rocket’ to call for a PPV in his home country for the same. In fact, it won’t be too much of a stretch to say that it’s that combination of heart from Serbia, precision from Austria, that defines his fighting style today!

How Rakić’s Heritage Shapes His UFC Career and Future

Inside the Octagon, Aleksandar Rakić has faced some of the biggest names in the light heavyweight division. His unanimous decision win over Anthony Smith solidified him as a contender, while his intense bouts with Jan Blachowicz and Magomed Ankalaev tested his resilience. Despite suffering a knee injury against Blachowicz in 2022 and dropping his next two fights, Rakić’s determination hasn’t wavered.

Now preparing to face Azamat Murzakanov at UFC 321, Rakić stands at a crossroads once again, both professionally and personally. His fighting style, a blend of Austrian discipline and Serbian aggression, continues to evolve. In a sport built on identity, he stands as proof that where you come from doesn’t limit who you can become.