For Aleksandar Rakić, faith means everything. The Austrian-born light heavyweight, known to fans as ‘Rocket,’ carries his Christian beliefs wherever he goes, even into the Octagon. Behind the tattoos, power, and precision lies a man grounded by faith, heritage, and gratitude.

Currently ranked #7 in the UFC light heavyweight division, Rakić has faced his share of trials, from a devastating knee injury in 2022 to a recent loss against Magomed Ankalaev at UFC 308. Yet through every setback, one thing remains constant: his faith. As he prepares for his comeback at UFC 321 against Azamat Murzakanov, fans are once again asking, what role does religion play in Aleksandar Rakić’s journey?

Aleksandar Rakić’s Religion: Devotion to Christianity

A member of the prestigious American Top Team, Rakic’s journey began at a young age, and by the time he turned 20, he had already amassed nearly 40 fights. This level of dedication and resilience is a testament to his unwavering commitment to mixed martial arts. Rakic, a Serbian native born in Vienna, Austria, initially pursued his athletic career through football, playing for his school team. However, his aggressive playing style led to his dismissal from the team. 

At the age of 12, Rakic turned to boxing and kickboxing as a means to channel his energy. While pursuing his MMA dream, he also worked at a hotel to support himself financially. ‘Rocket’ has openly expressed his faith in God throughout his career, sharing numerous posts about his religious beliefs on Facebook and Instagram.

In 2019, he visited the Annunciation of Holy Theotokos to seek blessings before a fight, showcasing his deep devotion to Christianity. Still, his connection to Christianity is more than personal; it’s cultural. And to understand that, you have to look at where he comes from.

Serbian Orthodox Roots and Cultural Heritage in Rakic’s Faith

Though born in Vienna, Austria, Rakić’s roots are deeply Serbian. His family comes from a nation where the Serbian Orthodox Church is a pillar of tradition and national pride. And like many Serbians abroad, Rakić carries that identity proudly.

Rakic has demonstrated his faith in God even within the octagon, performing a Christian blessing by raising a cross and touching it to his forehead before commencing a fight. Additionally, Rakic is vocal about his Serbian heritage and culture, often posting about it on social media. He has proudly expressed his pride in his ethnicity and roots on Instagram.

He even proudly wears numerous tattoos on his body that reflect his ethnicity and echo his personality, beliefs, and life experiences. Among other interesting tattoos, he has a Christian Cross etched on his right upper arm, reflecting his strong faith and attachment to his culture and origin.

How Religion Shapes Rakić’s UFC Career and Mindset

Aleksandar Rakić is an example of how, for many fighters, religion isn’t just a belief, it’s a way of preparing for battle. Before stepping into the cage, he centers himself through prayer, a ritual that clears his mind and sharpens his focus. Known for his religious devotion, he is frequently seen visiting churches, particularly before fights. Recently, he shared a series of photos from his visit to the St. Simeon Serbian Orthodox Church in Las Vegas. Additionally, he was seen wearing a Christian cross necklace during the UFC 300 weigh-ins.

When it comes to his early life, he was so inclined to get into martial arts that he worked at a hotel to support himself. But finally, after all the hard work and perseverance, it was his time to shine. At the age of 16, he met Muay Thai specialist Günter Strasser, and his journey to becoming a MMA fighter kicked off in style.

He joined the UFC with an 8-1 MMA record garnered over 6 years, in events held in Austria and Germany. Throughout his journey to go to the top, he always remembered to pray and thank his lord for safeguarding his career.

Even in defeat, Rakić’s perspective remains calm. After losing to Magomed Ankalaev at UFC 308, he didn’t express bitterness. Instead, he spoke of reflection and growth, a mindset shaped as much by faith as by fighting. Now, with UFC 321 on the horizon, he faces another challenge: ending a three-fight losing streak and reclaiming his spot among the elite of the division!