Mirsad Bektić

Mirsad Bektić (born February 16, 1991) is a Bosnian-American professional mixed martial artist currently competing in the Featherweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship. As of December 5, 2016, he is #12 in the official UFC featherweight rankings.

Mirsad Bektić was born in February 16, 1991 to Bosniak-Sunni Muslim parents in the eastern Bosnian town of Srebrenica in the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (present-day Bosnia and Herzegovina) amid the breakup of Yugoslavia. At the age of three, he relocated to Italy with his mother Suada Bektić and his siblings fleeing the Bosnian War, a conflict which claimed the lives of his maternal grandparents and several relatives. The family moved again for a five-year stay in Germany. Bektić moved to the United States at age nine, where his family settled in Lincoln, Nebraska. He has two older brothers and a younger sister. Bektić went to Irving Middle School, and graduated from Lincoln Southeast High School. He began training in karate after moving to the United States before transitioning to mixed martial arts in 2008.

Early career

Bektić made his professional debut in 2011, competing primarily in regional promotions across the Central United States where he compiled an undefeated record of 7–0 before signing with the UFC in early 2014. Prior to being signed by the UFC, Bektić was touted by notable publication BloodyElbow.com who listed Bektić at #1 in its "MMA's Top 25 Prospects" list in 2014.

Ultimate Fighting Championship

Bektić made his promotional debut against fellow newcomer Chas Skelly on April 19, 2014 at UFC on Fox 11. Bektić won the back and forth fight via majority decision. The fight was nearly stopped in the second round as Skelly landed a pair of illegal knees as Bektić was grounded against the cage, prompting the referee to deduct a point and allow him five minutes to recover. Bektić clearly was hurt and wobbled as he returned to his feet but was able to continue after a brief break.

Bektić was expected to face Ernest Chavez on August 23, 2014 at UFC Fight Night 49. However, Chavez was forced out of the bout with an injury and was replaced by Max Holloway. In turn, Bektić pulled out of the bout in the week leading up to the event and was replaced by promotional newcomer Clay Collard.

Bektić was expected to face Alan Omer on January 24, 2015 at UFC on Fox 14. However, Omer pulled out of the fight with an undisclosed injury and replaced by promotional newcomer Paul Redmond. Bektić won the one-sided fight via unanimous decision.

Bektić was expected to face Renato Moicano on May 30, 2015 at UFC Fight Night 67. However, Moicano pulled out of the fight in late April and was replaced by Lucas Martins. Bektić won the fight via TKO in the second round.

Bektić was expected to face Tatsuya Kawajiri on December 11, 2015 at The Ultimate Fighter 22 Finale. However, Bektić pulled out of the fight on November 27 citing injury.

Bektić was expected to face Arnold Allen on October 8, 2016 at UFC 204. However, Allen pulled out of the fight citing injury and was replaced by Russell Doane. He won the fight via submission in the first round.

Bektić is expected to face Darren Elkins on March 4, 2017 at UFC 209.