Aleksandar Rakic has made some big changes since we last saw him in the Octagon.
Following a three-fight losing streak and multiple injuries that saw him exit the title picture, Rakic left his former gym. He now trains in Serbia, the country he represents, with a new team and a friend of 15 years now coaching him. This move wasn’t a surprise for Rakic, who believed “it was only a matter of time before we’re gonna work together.”
With this move came sacrifice, as the trips separate him from his family for longer periods of time. Since the switch in February, Rakic has been committed to proving he still belongs in the UFC title picture due to his changes.
“I really can say that I’ve changed as a person, as a fighter. How I see MMA and the sport has changed, my coach changed it.
When asked about why the switch occurred, Rakic said he needed to focus on himself:
“After that Ankalaev fight, I rewatched the fight and I talked to them. And I just needed to be selfish in that moment to see where I’m at.”
Having fought the best of the best in the division, many are wondering whether Murzakanov (15-0) will be ready for the level and experience that Rakic (14-5) brings. No matter where the fight ends up, Rakic is confident in his skills and future as a title challenger,
“We’ll see where the fight goes. I will have answers to his actions. He’s undefeated for a reason, but on Saturday, I will be the first guy to put the 0 away. It will be a great start to get a title fight in the future.”
Watch the entire media day scrum with Aleksandar Rakic above. He faces Azamat Murzakanov at UFC 321 on Saturday night.
