Aleksandar Rakic ready for undefeated Azamat Murzakanov at UFC 321 in Abu Dhabi

ABU DHABI: Aleksandar Rakic is returning to Abu Dhabi with one goal in mind — redemption. The Austrian-Serbian light heavyweight is set to face the undefeated Azamat Murzakanov at UFC 321 — Aspinall v Gane on Oct. 25 at Etihad Arena —  in a fight that could mark a major turning point in his career.

Rakic told Arab News: “I’m feeling excited, very, very excited. (I) can’t wait to step into the octagon. I mean, it’s been a while, but yes, ready to go, ready to rock and roll. Preparation is good. I feel good.”

Rakic has been preparing away from home, embracing a focused training routine in Serbia.

He said: “I’ve spent the last six weeks in Serbia training with my head coach there. I live in Vienna, Austria, but for the past six or seven weeks, and the next one will be the seventh, I’ve been in Serbia preparing for the fight. Just a spartan lifestyle: training, sleeping, eating, and that’s it. No distractions, no family, no kids, only focusing on the preparation for the fight.”

The weather, he added, had been a welcome balance before heading to the UAE. He said: “In Serbia, it was very hot for a long time. Only in the last two weeks did it get a little colder, but the sun is still shining, so it’s not that cold. But of course, I can’t wait to have the Abu Dhabi weather.”

The upcoming fight represents a new chapter for Rakic, who has overhauled his team and training methods since his last appearance in Abu Dhabi against Magomed Ankalaev.

The 33-year-old said: “After the last fight with Ankalaev one year ago, I completely changed my team. I have a new head coach and a new boxing coach, and I’ve been training with them since February this year.

“After the fight, I went to Thailand for a bit, a mix of vacation and