While most of his peers are still searching in life, Raul Rosas Jr. he is clear and is chasing his dream of becoming the youngest champion in UFC history. He got there in September as a minor, and the athletic commission even had to grant him a special permit to fight with professionals.
He started training at the age of 4, his father brought him to him, and together with his brother, they were said to be the only children among adults in the gym. At 15, Raul started wrestling in the amateurs, but he didn’t stay there for long, he switched to the pros at the end of last year and managed to collect 5 quick wins before the limit in less than a year, which did not escape the attention of talent hunters from the UFC.
In the popular Dana White Contender Series, Rosas showed a literal jiu-jitsu exhibition and won on points.
“It was an amazing match,” the UFC boss did not hide his enthusiasm at the time. “The kid is at an awfully high level for a 17-year-old. I like a lot of things about him. I liked that he never just stayed in the guard, he was always active, always going for the finish. I can’t wait to see what he looks like at 22.”
The premiere awaited Rosas at the closely watched UFC 282 tournament, where he closed the prelims part. His opponent was 29-year-old compatriot Jay Perrin, for whom it was literally a fight for survival. In the most famous organization, he was unable to win even in one of the two matches.
The match started at a fast pace and both fighters were testing what could be done to the opponent’s stance. After half a minute, however, Rosas decided that it would probably be more advantageous for him to transfer the fight to the ground. There he immediately got into Perrin’s back, and although he resisted his attempts at a rear-naked choke for a long time, he was finally forced to tap out. The official finish time is 2:44.
Raul Rosas Jr. makes history after beating Jay Perrin at UFC 282 pic.twitter.com/TF51UVqKjI
— MMA Team (@MMATeam100) December 11, 2022
“I need a $50,000 bonus to buy my mom a van to drive me to the gym.” Rosas, who even dropped out of high school to pursue a career in the UFC, said after the victory. “It’s crazy, but I knew I’d be here at this age. I’m living my dream. I do what I love. I just came here today to introduce myself, but I’m going to get my belt.”
Will the hot youngster in the bantam division manage to make it all the way to the title and become the youngest champion? He still has plenty of time to do it, the record is held by Jon Jones, who did it at the age of 23.
