Aleksandar Rakic is set to begin the next phase of his UFC career by moving from light heavyweight to heavyweight. The longtime contender returns to action on Saturday, Aug. 1, 2026, when he faces veteran Marcin Tybura in his first fight in the new division.
The key reason behind the change appears to be physical recovery. Rakic said the move was driven by what his body needed, signaling that the demands of competing at light heavyweight had become harder to manage over time. For a fighter who spent years at 205 pounds, the shift suggests a focus on durability and performance rather than staying in the same weight class.
Rakic built his reputation as a serious name at light heavyweight, so his heavyweight debut will draw attention from fans watching how his size, speed and power translate. A matchup with Tybura gives him an experienced opponent right away, offering an immediate test against a proven UFC heavyweight.
The fight could help define where Rakic fits in his new division. If the move gives him a fresher body and a better training camp, his heavyweight run may quickly become one of the more interesting storylines to follow in the UFC this weekend.
