Raúl Rosas Jr.: The Young Latino with a Promising UFC Future

Raúl Rosas Jr. recently became the youngest fighter ever to have a contract to fight in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). At only 17 years old and after defeating Mando Gutiérrez, he has managed to make history as a boxer of Mexican descent. This was the first time he had won a fight by decision after he had won his previous five fights with four submissions and a knockout.

This fight happened last September, when the so-called “Niño Problema” (roughly translated to “Problem Child”) fought against his compatriot “El Toro” Gutiérrez, who until then had a record of 7-1 and most of his victories by submission. The function was part of Dana White’s Contender Series billboard, where he managed to surprise even the president of this American mixed martial arts company.

Throughout the three agreed rounds, the young athlete, who was born in the United States to Mexican parents, showed the necessary strength and his best jiu jitsu movements to beat his opponent. Although the end of the fight was not spectacular, Rosas Jr.’s performance was consistent and impressive enough to convince Dana White, who was surprised by Rosas’ talent and level enough to integrate him into the UFC.

“I had never seen anything like it. Not only that, the number of fighters criticizing me saying you’re crazy not to (sign him). He’s absolutely talented. He’s special, he’s different,” White said.

For his part, Rosas, who turns 18 this month, not only had to request official permission from his parents, manager and coaches to be able to fight against “El Toro,” he also had to show them videos of his training and fights with professionals. However, they were easily convinced since Rosas has trained with fighters of the stature of Brandon Moreno, Merab Dvalishvili and Aljamain Sterling.

“I want to be the youngest champion in the history of the UFC, at 19 or 20 years old, at the most 21 years old. I know I’m ready and I want to be a very active fighter. My plan is to win this fight, keep that contract, get into the UFC and take fights fast, because I want that opportunity,” the Mexican had said before his fight against Gutierrez.

For the time being, it’s Dan Lauzon who holds the record as the youngest fighter to compete in the UFC (18 years, 198 days). Rosas will have to fight in the UFC within the next 215 days in order to win the record as the youngest to fight in the top flight of mixed martial arts.

“I could be fighting in the 17 and 18 age category, but I said that I was ready to fight professionally. My first fight was when I was eight years old and since then I’ve been fighting consistently, so I know I’m ready now. Since my debut I was ready for anyone, but only in Mexico did they let me compete,” the young athlete also assured.

Who is Raúl Rosas?

Raúl Rosas Jr. was born in Clovis, New Mexico, United States. His father and mother are originally from the Iztapalapa mayor’s office in Mexico City. As an amateur and at the age of only 14 he participated in the IMMAF world championship in Rome, Italy, where he was able to win gold.

After that achievement he decided to enter the professional arena and moved to Tijuana, Baja California, to establish an undefeated record of six fights.

“I am the new king, so I am going for that belt now. I will become the youngest champion in the UFC. If I could fight the top five ranked in my UFC debut I would, but I have to work my way up there and I’m sure I’ll be there soon. Don’t take it the other way, I say it with all due respect, but I’m going to be champion when I’m 19, 20 or 21 years old. It doesn’t matter what it costs me,” was part of another statement by Raúl Rosas Jr.

If you want to keep reading about Young Hispanic athletes to watch, check this piece of Carlos Alcaraz: The Number 1 Tennis Player in the World