Aleksandar Rakic KO: UFC Contender Retires After Brutal Loss
In 2019, Aleksandar Rakic delivered a stunning 42-second knockout of Jimi Manuwa, ending Manuwa’s career and showcasing Rakic’s devastating striking power. This decisive victory, achieved with a brutal head kick, was a pivotal moment in the UFC light heavyweight division. Manuwa, onc a title contender, retired following the loss, concluding a challenging four-fight losing streak. Rakic’s win extended his remarkable winning streak, though a subsequent setback slightly stalled his title aspirations. News Directory 3 provides the latest updates. Discover what’s next for Rakic as he eyes a return to the Octagon!
Aleksandar Rakic’s Head Kick KO Ends Jimi Manuwa’s Career
Updated June 02, 2025
Aleksandar Rakic demonstrated his striking power in the UFC light heavyweight division with a swift victory over Jimi Manuwa in 2019. The fight,held at UFC Stockholm,saw Rakic secure a knockout just 42 seconds into the first round,marking a notable moment in both fighters’ careers.
Manuwa,once on the cusp of a title shot,entered the fight following losses to Jan Blachowicz,Volkan Oezdemir,and Thiago Santos. Rakic, however, proved to be a formidable challenge. The victor stood to gain ground toward a potential title prospect.
Rakic quickly overwhelmed Manuwa, landing a head kick that immediately knocked Manuwa unconscious.The swift and decisive finish highlighted Rakic’s striking ability.
#OnThisDay in 2019: @Rakic_UFC landed this head kick KO in 41 SECONDS 🤯
Watch in full on @UFCFightPass 📺 pic.twitter.com/BYoYmdnvC1
— UFC Europe (@UFCEurope) June 1, 2025
Following the loss, Jimi Manuwa announced his retirement from mixed martial arts, concluding his career with a four-fight losing streak. Earlier in his UFC career, Manuwa secured wins against opponents such as Jan Blachowicz, Ovince Saint Preux, and Corey Anderson.
For Aleksandar Rakic, the victory extended his winning streak to 12 fights after an initial loss in his professional debut.However, a controversial split decision loss to Oezdemir months later temporarily halted his ascent in the light heavyweight division.
Before his later struggles, Manuwa was considered a potential future champion, even drawing the attention of Daniel Cormier. After Cormier’s victory over Oezdemir at UFC 220, he called out Manuwa, who was present at the event. Despite the exchange,a fight between them never materialized,as Cormier transitioned to the heavyweight division.
What’s next
Aleksandar Rakic remains an active competitor in the UFC and is anticipated to return to the Octagon later this year, seeking to climb the ranks in the light heavyweight division.