Mirsad Bektić is a Bosnian-American professional mixed martial artist who competes in the Featherweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship.
Background
Bektić was born to Bosniak parents in the eastern Bosnian town of Srebrenica, Socialist Federal Republic Yugoslavia (present-day Bosnia and Herzegovina) and relocated to Italy with his mother and brothers at the age of three to flee the Bosnian War.
Career
The family then moved again for a five-year stay in Germany. Bektić moved to the United States at age ten, where his family settled in Lincoln, Nebraska. Bektić initially began training in karate after arriving in 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 a notable publication as the #1 future prospect in all of mixed martial arts Ultimate Fighting Championship
Bektić made his promotional debut against fellow newcomer Chas Skelly on April 19, 2014 at UFC on Fox 11.
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 ref 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, Bektic 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 was expected to face Renato Carneiro on May 30, 2015 at UFC Fight Night 67. However, Carneiro pulled out of the fight in late April and was replaced by Lucas Martins.
Bektic was expected to face Tatsuya Kawajiri on December 11, 2015 at The Ultimate Fighter 22 Finale. However, Bektic pulled out of the fight on November 27 citing injury.