Islam Makhachev Sends Inspiring Message to UFC Light Heavyweight Fighter on 4-Fight Losing Streak

UFC welterweight champion Islam Makhachev motivates Aleksandar Rakic to fight at UFC Serbia to bounce back from recent setbacks.

Islam Makhachev Sends Inspiring Message to UFC Light Heavyweight Fighter on 4-Fight Losing Streak

Islam Makhachev's message to Aleksandar Rakic (via TNT Sports)

In Short
  • Islam Makhachev sent an encouraging message to Aleksandar Rakic, urging him to compete at the upcoming UFC event in Serbia.
  • Rakic is on a 4-fight losing streak, with his last victory dating back to 2021.
  • Makhachev's influence in MMA continues to grow, as he is recognized as a dominant force and a role model for fighters.

UFC welterweight champion Islam Makhachev is undoubtedly at the peak of the sport as a two-division UFC champion and the promotion’s No. 1 pound-for-pound fighter. However, despite becoming one of MMA’s biggest stars, Makhachev has maintained a humble approach throughout his career. That was recently reflected again in his heartfelt message to UFC light heavyweight veteran Aleksandar Rakic.

Rakic has spent years competing against elite opposition in the UFC light heavyweight division and was once viewed as a legitimate title contender at 205 pounds. However, his recent stretch has been difficult, with his latest defeat coming via knockout against Azamat Murzakanov at UFC 321. Rakic’s last victory came back in 2021 when he earned a unanimous decision win over former title challenger Thiago Santos.

The UFC recently confirmed that it will officially debut in Serbia with an event in Belgrade on August 1, marking the promotion’s first-ever card in the country. The event is expected to feature several Serbian fighters, including Rakic, who remains one of the nation’s biggest names in the UFC. Rakic also recently revealed that Makhachev personally sent him a message encouraging him to compete on the card.

Hey bro! I heard the news that the UFC will come to Serbia, you have to fight here. You are a big example for the new generation here, that’s why. You have to be ready, and beat someone here. Train hard, man, and I hope to see you one day.

Islam Makhachev’s message to Aleksandar Rakic

Aleksandar Rakic was once viewed as one of the most dangerous fighters in the UFC light heavyweight division before his fight against Jan Blachowicz in May 2022. However, the bout became a major turning point in his career after he suffered a serious knee injury during the contest. The Serbian stayed sidelined until April 2024 and eventually returned with a TKO loss to Jiri Prochazka at UFC 300.

After the loss to Prochazka, Rakic was expected to rebuild momentum at UFC 308 when he faced leading light heavyweight contender Magomed Ankalaev. However, the Serbian fighter suffered another setback after losing the bout via unanimous decision. Ankalaev later added even more value to that win as he defeated Alex Pereira in his next fight at UFC 313 to capture the UFC light heavyweight championship.

Islam Makhachev’s current standing in the sport has made him a major influence even among active UFC fighters. The Dagestani champion’s achievements and reputation continue to command respect throughout MMA, and that influence appeared to extend to Aleksandar Rakic as well. The Serbian contender seemed ecstatic while sharing the recording of Makhachev’s message about UFC Serbia.

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Islam Makhachev gets commended by former opponent’s coach

Islam Makhachev’s dominance in MMA continues to earn recognition following his rise to the top of two UFC divisions. The reigning welterweight champion has built his reputation through elite grappling, consistent performances, and a 16-fight win streak tied with UFC legend Anderson Silva. That remarkable run has established Makhachev as one of the sport’s most dominant forces in modern MMA.

Islam Makhachev
Islam Makhachev (via X)

That dominance was fully displayed at UFC 322, where Makhachev defeated Jack Della Maddalena to capture the UFC welterweight championship. The Dagestani star controlled the fight from start to finish and left almost no openings for his opponent throughout the contest. The performance later led JDM’s head coach, Ben Vickers, to revisit the loss and reflect on the challenge posed by Makhachev.

We appreciate the run we had, and we know the MMA gods smiled on us for those 10 years. They probably started frowning a bit when they gave you the GOAT on your first title defense – a wrestler, the best grappler in the game. For me to sit here and say Jack can still beat Islam, probably with the same game plan we had the first time around, people will start to think that you’re slightly crazy or delusional. Our belief has got us this far. Islam is the GOAT for a reason.

Ben Vickers said

Vickers has played a major role in Jack Della Maddalena’s rise, having coached him throughout his development at Scrappy MMA in Australia. Under Vickers, Della Maddalena evolved into one of the UFC’s top welterweights before eventually losing to Islam Makhachev at UFC 322. The respect shown after the defeat reflected both Makhachev’s dominance and the strong partnership behind JDM’s career.

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