The event may have been named UFC Noche this past September at the UFC Fight Night on Mexican Independence Day, but it could have easily been titled Noche de Rosas Jr, as rising UFC bantamweight Raul Rosas Jr. (8-1), left a big impression notching a TKO win over Terrence Mitchell in just fifty-four seconds in the first round. “I think everything was just perfect,” said Rosas Jr. “The fight card, the date, everything just went perfect. I don’t see how it could have gone any better.”
Since his debut as the youngest fighter to make a debut in the organization at just seventeen years of age, the Mexican-American fighter has had all eyes on him. He’s been the one to watch since his time on Dana White’s Contender Series and his official introduction to the octagon at UFC 281 last December of 2022. Rosas Jr’s last two of his three fights were exciting, ending with decisive wins, helping his popularity rise at a staggering rate. “I knew my style of fighting was entertaining, and I’m always looking for the kill. I expected my fans to like my style of fighting.”
The same fans that were boasting and praising his success early on began looking at him sideways after his first loss this past April at UFC 287 against Christian Rodriguez. But Rosas isn’t fazed. He views it as a minor setback for his career that is still poised to be very positive in the future. “As soon as I lost, I had to avenge what happened. I knew in my head what went wrong and it wasn’t the end of me; it was just a loss on my record. I was going to go back and fix every mistake I could because I don’t think I’m going to lose any more fights in my career. If I do lose again, it won’t be for the same reason I lost in the last one.”
Cain Velazquez, Diego Sanchez, and Anthony Pettis were known as some of the Mexican pioneers of MMA, but there is a new batch of talent that has emerged, such as Alexa Grasso, Yair Rodriguez, and Brandon Moreno. Rosas Jr. feels that this is a great time to be a Mexican fighter in the UFC and knows he will eventually be the biggest superstar in the organization. “I feel like right now, we are the future stars, and I know that one day I’m going to become a superstar, even if I’m not one right now,” says Rosas Jr. with confidence. “I don’t compare myself to any of the fighters that have been superstars because I’m different from them. I’m looking to break records that haven’t been broken and make history. I’m looking to do things that haven’t been done in the company, and that’s what it’s going to take for me to be the biggest superstar in the UFC.”
With no specific fight signed at the present moment, Rosas Jr. has his sights set on early next year and beyond. “I want to fight right now,” exclaims Rosas Jr. “I want to fight as soon as possible, but I think most likely I’m looking at early next year. I want to fight back-to-back and stay active.” Knowing his people have his back, he is ready to keep adding to his win column with his anytime/anywhere Mexican warrior style of fighting. “My Mexican people always support me and show love, and to see all the Mexican flags everywhere; I always appreciate the support from my people. I know I’m the best, and to show I’m the best, I want to fight the best. I feel ready to step in with anyone to show I’m the best.”
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