Los Angeles — For his bantamweight matchup against Mando Gutierrez on Tuesday, Raul Rosas Jr. entered the Octagon inside the Apex like he had always belonged there.
He was matched up with a grappler who was believed to be a tough opponent should the fight ever get to the mat.
Rosas demonstrated his prowess on the ground and easily defeated Gutierrez through a three-round decision. Rosas even accomplished this feat while using a variety of cunning moves, such as tricking his opponent into believing he was about to fire a flying knee before executing a takedown.
UFC president Dana White described Raul Rosas Jr. as “exceptional.”
Rosas was competing in his sixth professional bout, but the fact that he is still just 17 years old made his performance all the more remarkable.
He is by far the youngest athlete to participate on Contender Series, and now that he has broken the record for the youngest fighter ever on the roster of the industry-dominating MMA company, the UFC, thanks to an on-the-spot contract.
Unambiguously expressing his admiration for Rosas’ midweek performance, UFC president Dana White told media that it was “extraordinary.”
On press row, there was talk that White may not grant Rosas a contract because he is so young, preferring to sign him to a developmental pact.
Rosas, though, was always certain of it.
Rosas said, with the assurance of a young man, “I knew he was going to offer me the contract, or I wouldn’t be here,” after the altercation. “I’m 6-0 and 17 years old.”
Rosas said that he had yet to demonstrate his abilities to White and that, should another competition be planned at the Apex on Saturday, he will take part. He added, “I’m simply prepared to go out there and grab the kill.
“I will win the UFC championship at a young age.”
Rosas described his approach as “full gas, no breaks” and promised to take a vacation after retiring. He said, “When I’m elderly.”
He continued by saying that he was only getting started and that he was aiming to win the championship as soon as possible to create another record.
I will become the youngest UFC champion, despite the fact that nothing in life is simple, he said.
“I would want to face a top five opponent in my UFC debut, but I have to climb the ranks first, and I will get there soon. When I’m like 19, 20, or 21 years old, I’ll win the UFC for the first time. It makes no difference.
White was astounded by the child’s performance.
After the sequence of clashes, White convened a press conference and expressed his shock at what he had seen.
White said, “After what I just witnessed, this kid is prepared to compete in the UFC.”
Rosas’ activity was especially mentioned by White as something he liked about the adolescent, and he added: “He’s not one of these guys who’s a jiu-jitsu kid that just lies about and whatever. He constantly tries to get what he wants because of how cunning and backhanded he is.
“How he can escape when you grab his back. I was quite pleased by the kid’s performance today, particularly his cardio. He never had an adrenaline crash when he suddenly seemed worn out. With either man, there was never a break in the conflict.
According to White, the Nevada State Athletic Commission required special authorization from the Contender Series officials in order to get a match for Rosas.
White noted that even though he did not directly talk with the fighter’s parents, they most likely would have had to sign a release.
White said, “That was some high-level crap.”
When Insider questioned White about if Rosas’ younger age makes him more protective of him, White said that the real concern is whether Rosas is capable of competing at the Contender Series.
He was entered into the Contender Series by us. The only difference between him and the opponent, who had a similar record to his own, was age, according to White.
The UFC executive said, “You saw throughout the fight that they were incredibly well-matched. “That was the best matching you’ll ever see,” someone said.
In October, Rosas turns 18.