For some fighters, tattoos are fashion. For Aleksandar Rakić, they’re storytelling etched in ink. Each mark on his skin mirrors a chapter of his journey, from pain and perseverance to faith and family. The Austrian-born light heavyweight, currently ranked #7 in the UFC, wears his beliefs not just in words but in symbols.

As Rakić prepares for his return against Azamat Murzakanov at UFC 321, fans can’t help but look back at the man behind the art. But what do these inks truly mean? Let’s decode the story behind them.

Aleksandar Rakić’s Tribal Tattoo Meaning

While Aleksandar Rakic is not as inked as some of the other UFC stars such as Dustin Poirier and Marlon ‘Chito’ Vera, he has quite a few tattoos on his body. These inks carry unique meaning and significance for the ethnic Serb and reflect his personality, beliefs, and life experiences. The most prominent tattoo on his body is a beautiful tribal piece that goes from his right chest and shoulder down to his wrist.

It is quite a detailed tattoo with many different elements, starting with what looks like a Koi fish, a pair of crowned ‘laugh now, cry later’ masks, as well as scales. The Koi fish is a prominent motif in some Southeast Asian cultures and symbolizes perseverance and overcoming low phases of life.

The mask, on the other hand, stands for the duality of life, while the scales probably are representative of his belief he cannot be hurt since the purpose of scales in reptiles and fish is to protect them. But wait, there’s more. Of course, the Austrian mixed martial artist didn’t stop with the Koi!

Faith and Strength Symbols in Rakic’s Tattoos

On the upper part of his right thigh, Aleksandar Rakic has a lion. This could represent courage, strength, aggression, and pride, and captures Rakic’s aggressive yet courageous personality in the ring. His right upper arm bears a tattoo of a cross and a rose, with the former being the most prominent symbol of Christianity, reflecting his strong faith, while the rose represents love and friendship.

Faith isn’t just a belief for Rakić; it’s a foundation. Over the years, he’s openly displayed his devotion, often visiting Serbian Orthodox churches before fights. His tattoos simply give that belief a permanent home. But faith and ferocity aren’t the only things guiding him. His tattoos also speak of love, the kind that keeps him fighting even when life knocks him down.

Family and Motivational Inks in Aleksandar Rakic’s Tattoos

Below his left pec, Aleksandar Rakić has one of his most personal tattoos, his son’s name, “Andrej,” written in elegant cursive. It’s a simple design, but its meaning runs deep. The tattoo symbolizes love, responsibility, and a constant reminder of why he fights. No matter how brutal the sport gets, family remains his anchor.

On the upper part of his left pec is the statement “Ready for War.” His left forearm bears another tattoo written in the Cyrillic script that says, “Fighting is worth it” when translated to English. This phrase is clearly a representation of his commitment to fighting. These motivational tattoos remind ‘Rocket’ why he endures the grind. Each word and symbol keeps him focused, especially after the setbacks that have recently defined his career.

After a three-fight losing streak, including his 2022 TKO loss to Jan Blachowicz, Rakić’s body art feels almost prophetic,  proof that perseverance and belief still fuel him. Now, as he readies himself for UFC 321 and another chance to rise, these inks serve as reminders of who he is and what he fights for.