Former UFC light heavyweight contender Aleksandar Rakic will look to make Islam Makhachev proud in his upcoming UFC Serbia return.

Aleksandar Rakic is looking to earn his first UFC win since 2021 when he returns to the Octagon later this year. After four years of a career plagued by injuries and lopsided defeats, Rakic will make a big change as he looks to return to the win column.

Rakic, one of the most dynamic strikers in the UFC’s light heavyweight division, hasn’t fought since a first-round TKO loss to Azamat Murzakanov at UFC 321. The fight was his fourth-straight defeat after recent losses to former champions Magomed Ankalaev, Jiri Prochazka, and Jan Blachowicz.

Despite his recent struggles, Rakic earned his praise from UFC welterweight champion Islam Makhachev in a now-viral clip. During a recent media interview, Rakic was surprised by a voicemail from Makhachev, imploring the talented light heavyweight to fight on the upcoming UFC Serbia card.

Just weeks later, Rakic will oblige Makhachev’s request.

Aleksandar Rakic makes full-time move to heavyweight to fight divisional mainstay

As announced by the promotion on Monday, Rakic will make the move to heavyweight to fight Marcin Tybura (27-11-0) in the UFC Serbia co-main event on August 1st in Belgrade. This will mark the UFC’s first-ever event in Serbia, headlined by Uros Medic vs. Daniel Rodriguez.

Tybura returns to the Octagon looking to snap a two-fight skid after losses to Ante Delija and Tyrell Fortune. He’s defeated the likes of Tai Tuivasa, Mick Parkin, and Ben Rothwell during his 10-year career with the promotion.

This will be the first time that Rakic has fought at heavyweight in his Mixed Martial Arts career. Rakic will look to add another highlight-reel knockout to his resume as he prepares to face one of the heavyweight division’s nastiest grapplers.

What is your prediction for Aleksandar Rakic vs. Marcin Tybura? Let us know in the comments!