Fresh off a win on Dana White’s Contender Series, Mexico’s Raul Rosas Jr. has officially become the youngest fighter to sign with the UFC in the organization’s history.
Following a unanimous decision victory over Mando Gutierrez to move his record to 6-0, White was quick to offer the teenage sensation a contract, which he happily accepted. Rosas Jr., who currently fights at bantamweight, dominated the 25 year Gutierrez with a smothering grappling game en route to the win.
“I knew I was gonna get that contract,” said Rosas, who only turns 18 on Oct. 8th. “I’ve been saying it since the beginning. Since I was born, I knew this was gonna happen.”
The 17 year old had previously finished all 5 of his opponents prior to letting his win over Gutierrez go to the judge’s scorecards. Nevertheless, his performance was strong enough to not only intrigue Dana White, but also catch the eye of several of the sport’s top names.
“I’ve never seen anything like it,” White said of Rosas’ performance. “Not only that, the amount of fighters blowing me up saying you’re crazy not to [sign him]. … He’s absolutely, positively talented. He’s special, he’s different.”
Born in Tijuana, Mexico, Rosas Jr. has since moved stateside to continue his training in Las Vegas. “El Niño Problema” certainly isn’t short on confidence either, telling reporters he plans to be champion by the age of 20.
“Everybody shouldn’t be surprised,” Rosas said. “I’m the new king in here, so I’m coming for that belt now. … I’m gonna be champion when I’m 20. Respect to everybody, but I’m gonna be champion when I’m 20, or even earlier. Nobody is gonna stop me.”
So long as Rosas Jr. fights in the UFC within the next 200 days, he will officially become the youngest fighter to ever compete in a UFC sanctioned event. Joe Lauzon is the current record holder, having competed at 18 years 198 days old back in 2006.
If the Mexican born fighter makes good on his promise to become a UFC champion by the age of 20, he would also shatter Jon Jones record as the youngest title holder in the promotion’s history as well. Jones first captured UFC gold at the age of 23.