Aleksandar Rakic discusses Jon Jones matchup after Manuwa KO

Aleksandar Rakic put himself on the map at UFC Stockholm, beheading the dangerous Jimi Manuwa with a first-round head kick.

With this incredible, highlight reel knockout in the books, Rakic can probably look forward to a spot in the light heavyweight top-10, and a reputation as a legitimate contender in the division.

That being said, he doesn’t feel that he’s ready for the division’s reigning champion Jon Jones just yet.

Aleksandar Rakic discussed a potential fight with Jones at the UFC Stockholm post-fight press conference.

“I think to fight for the title, I need a couple more fights,” Rakic said at the UFC Stockholm post-fight press conference (transcript via MMA News).  “I need to improve all my skills. Because to take a title fight against Jon Jones or someone else, it’s hard. You have to be prepared not 100%. You have to be prepared 200%. And I’m 27 years old. I don’t want to rush. I have plenty of time. And you see, after every fight in the UFC, I’m getting better and better. And I don’t want to rush.”

While Aleksandar Rakic is taking a patient approach on his road to the title, he says he and his team have already begun studying the top dogs of the division.

“When I signed to the UFC, we already started to study every potential opponent,” he said. “And my coaches are studying the top 15 already for a year now. And we’re watching all the fights. And I need time, a couple of more fights. But soon I’m gonna get the title shot and the win.”

With his victory over Jimi Manuwa, Aleksandar Rakic improved to 12-1 overall, and a fantastic 4-0 in the UFC. Do you think the Austrian is a future title challenger in the UFC light heavyweight division?

This article first appeared on BJPENN.COM on 6/2/2019.