Every fighter needs a corner, not just in the Octagon, but in life. For Aleksandar Rakić, that corner belongs to his wife, Melanie. Through the highs of UFC triumphs and the lows of career-threatening injuries, she has remained his anchor. The Austrian light heavyweight, now ranked #7 in the division, might be known for his brutal leg kicks and explosive power, but behind the fighter stands a family that fuels his fire.

After losing to Magomed Ankalaev at UFC 308 in 2024, Rakić has been working his way back up. His comeback journey continues as he prepares to face Azamat Murzakanov at UFC 321. But behind every step and every recovery is the quiet strength of the woman who helped him rebuild when his body, and spirit, were tested the most.

Who Is Aleksandar Rakić’s Wife, Melanie Rakic?

Melanie Rakić may not live in the limelight like her husband, but she’s an essential part of his story. The two met back in 2014, long before ‘Rocket’ became one of Austria’s biggest MMA stars. Although not much is known about Melanie, she is an Austrian national like her husband. 

According to her Facebook profile, she attended the Bundesgymnasium, a public school in the Austrian capital of Vienna. 

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After completing her education, she went on to work at an Australian regional health insurance fund, Wiener Gebietskrankenkasse. She’s also active on Instagram by the name of ‘rakicmeli.’ She has about 5,500 followers, and of course, her bio gives a shoutout to the ‘Rocket’. Taking to IG, she has often posted beautiful moments that she had with her husband and her child.

Aleksandar Rakić’s Marriage to Melanie and Their Son Andrej

Together, Aleksandar and Melanie have built a life that blends family warmth with competitive drive. The couple shares a young son named Andrej, whose birth predates their engagement. Though Rakić prefers to keep details about his family private, their social media posts tell a story of laughter, travel, and unwavering support. But perhaps the most defining moment in their marriage came in 2022, when Aleksandar Rakić suffered a devastating ACL tear during his fight against Jan Blachowicz.

How Rakić’s Wife and Kids Fuel His UFC Success

Jiri Prochazka is not the first former champion Aleksandar Rakić has fought. He took on former light heavyweight champion Jan Blachowicz at a UFC Fight Night bout in May 2022. Unfortunately, Rakic tore the ligaments in his right knee and suffered a third-round knockout loss to the Pole.

He flew to his hometown of Vienna after the fight and had his knee operated on by renowned surgeon Dr Michael Liska. While the surgery initially restricted the Austrian to his bed, his recovery progressed quicker than expected. He was able to walk on crutches and do light exercises within a few days. The father of one attributed his quick recovery to the support he received from his wife, Melanie, and felt that her love and support put him in a good state of mind and accelerated the healing process.

Rakić’s resilience after his knee injury is a testament to that. His return to the Octagon against Magomed Ankalaev at UFC 308 didn’t go as planned; he lost via unanimous decision. But rather than faltering, he used it as motivation. Now, as he prepares for his next fight at UFC 321, the fire in his eyes is different. It’s not just about winning, it’s about proving that the sacrifices his family made were worth it.