Overview
- The UFC announced on Monday that Aleksandar Rakic will make his official heavyweight debut against Marcin Tybura at UFC Belgrade on August 1 at Belgrade Arena.
- Rakic agreed to move up after a four-fight losing streak at light heavyweight and a first-round TKO loss to Azamat Murzakanov in October 2025.
- At 34 and 6'5", Rakic cited longstanding weight-cut issues and the chance to regain strength as reasons for the change in division.
- Tybura is a long-tenured UFC heavyweight who has lost his last two fights and will use the matchup to defend his ranking and roster standing.
- The fight pairs a taller, younger striker against a veteran gatekeeper and could affect rankings, contract security, and the shape of both fighters' careers depending on the result.