Raul Rosas Jr to become the youngest UFC fighter in history
At 18 years of age, Raul Rosas Jr is already a UFC record-breaker.
After signing utilizing the advertising in September, aged 17, the bantamweight became the ever fighter that is youngest to join the UFC.
When the American faces Jay Perrin at UFC 282 in Las vegas, nevada, Nevada, next week he can be the youngest to compete on a card that is main.
But America’s Rosas Jr wants more – he would like to end up being the youngest UFC champion ever sold.
That record happens to be held by Jon Jones, who at the age of 23, defeated Mauricio Rua for the title that is light-heavyweight.
“Not in 5 years – I’m going to be champ when I’m 20 or 21 at the latest,” Rosas Jr told BBC Sport.
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“I’m trying to challenge myself and find out how fast we can perform it, if I became to fight the champion tomorrow, I would finish him. because in my opinion”
California’s Rosas Jr, that has won all six of their fights that are professional was signed by the UFC following his performance in president Dana White’s Contender Series, where he beat Mando Gutierrez by unanimous choice.
The Contender Series is run by White but separate to the UFC, however fighters who impress on the show often find yourself agreements which can be signing the UFC.
In joining the organization aged 17, he beat the record that is past by America’s Dan Lauzon, who had been 18 when he signed.
Despite fighting at this type of age that is young career-changing opportunities on the line, Rosas Jr does perhaps not feel any force.
“When I have in the cage I feel free. Everything goes away,” he said.
“I’m enjoying it and I’m excited to make my UFC debut and go out there and put a show on.”
From the age of four, Rosas Jr knew he wanted to be described as a mixed artist that is martial.
Watching his father battle in their then hometown of Clovis in brand new Mexico, soaking in the environment of the fans screaming their name, was the brief moment that convinced him of his future.
At the age of 12, he and his household moved to California because he had outgrown the gyms in brand new Mexico so he could progress in his training.
‘I’m still in school – I’m trying to work it out’
Rosas Jr describes the move as the most time that is challenging of life.
“Everything ended up being so costly, he stated so me and my family members had 12 people living in one tiny apartment at one point.
“Then we started progressing a bit that is little and got an apartment with additional room, and then two rooms, then more.”
Throughout his life, Rosas Jr has struggled to effectively integrate his training alongside his school commitments.
“When I happened to be in New Mexico, we might drive an hour and a half to training and on your way right back I would sleep in the vehicle,” he said.
“I happened to be hardly home and so I had to someplace take action. In California I would kind of do my homework in class, or the day that is next the early morning.”
He could be presently in their year that is senior at school and, despite earning a UFC contract, his mum still wants him to graduate.
“I have actuallyn’t been going to school [recently] but I’m attempting to figure that out.”
‘I don’t want to be like other fighters’
Rosas Jr says he’s not inspired by other MMA fighters, but former UFC that is interim lightweight Tony Ferguson is his favourite.
“He differs. His style, he cuts everybody open and it’s funny to me the simple things he says, he doesn’t play the role of like some one else,” said Rosas Jr.
“we like his style of fighting, how he mixes it and how he’s innovative with it.”
Despite their admiration for Ferguson’s style, Rosas Jr doesn’t desire to emulate him – he is focussed on creating their own legacy.
“I like how he is but i would like become different,” he said.
“we surprise myself sometimes. I really don’t even comprehend how I did some moves. when I view my film”