‘I Would Love to Fight for the Title’- Aleksandar Rakic Makes a Huge Statement in the Light Heavyweight Division

UFC light heavyweight Aleksandar Rakic shared his interest to fight for UFC gold. ‘Rocket’ is 6-1 in his UFC run thus far and is coming off a decision win over Thiago Santos. He’s only lost to former title challenger Volkan Oezdemir in a fight that he believes he did enough to win.

The Austrian fighter has faced the who’s-who of the 205-pound weight class and has proven to have what it takes. Apart from securing some highlight reel level finishes, he’s certainly got the goods to make a meaningful run. With three former title challengers on his resume consecutively, Rakic has been one that fans have been watching out for.

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Aleksandar Rakic: On a mission for the strap

The 14-2 fighter made sure to lay out the fact that he’s fought everyone who has been put in front of him lately. Rakic came out and called for a title fight, despite the fact that Glover Teixeira is the next in line for a title shot. However, ‘Rocket’ clarified to MMA Fighting that he was willing to be a backup fighter for the aforementioned contest.

“I think I deserve the title shot. If you see realistically, I am 7-0 in the UFC, this one loss against Volkan [Oezdemir] wasn’t a loss, and Thiago was the third former title challenger in a row, and I beat all of them. So, who else, you know? Who else?

“I would love to be the backup fighter,” he said. “It’s a big opportunity for me. But, if not, I would love to fight for the title. I think I proved to everyone that I’m deserving. I’m unbeaten in the UFC and it’s just a matter of time. But if the UFC comes to me with a backup fight for Glover and Jan, yes, I would jump in, of course.”

Aleksandar Rakic is the only other light heavyweight fighter with a genuine claim towards a title shot beside Teixeira. His strength of schedule speaks for itself and he’s running out of top 5 opponents to face. However, given that the champion has specifically called for Teixeira next, a backup spot is the best Rakic can hope for.