Raul Rosas Jr. made history by becoming the youngest fighter ever to earn a UFC contract. Rosas Jr. was born on October 8, 2005, in Mexico. He spent his formative years in Mexico and began practicing martial arts at the age of three. The youngster made his professional debut on November 26, 2021, for Mexican-based promoter Ultimate Warrior Challenge Mexico.
After five finishes in five appearances for UWC Mexico, 'El Nino Problema' was called up to Dana White's Contender Series. A lot of media attention surrounded his tender age after it was announced that he would feature in Week 9 of DWCS.
Rosas Jr. currently resides in Santa Rosa, California, and trains out of Las Vegas.
Only 17 years old at the time, he won a decisive victory against Mando Gutierrez at Dana White's Contender Series 2022: Week 9.
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The win earned him a contract with the UFC, making him the youngest UFC fighter ever. A very-impressed Dana White welcomed Raul Rosas Jr.:
"Obviously, an incredible fight. This kid is so high level for 17-years-old. So many things I love about this kid. I love how he just doesn't lay there on the guard, he's always active, he's always busy, he's always going for the finish. For a guy who doesn't have this type of experience yet, at such a big stage, at such a young age. I can't wait to see this what this kid looks like at 22. Get over here!"
Raul Rosas Jr. feels honored to have the opportunity to compete alongside fellow Mexican fighters at UFC Noche
Raul Rosas Jr. made his UFC debut with a quick submission win over Jay Perrin at UFC 282 in December 2022. Four months later, he took on Christian Rodriguez at UFC 287, losing the contest via unanimous decision. But ‘El Nino Problema’ has the goal to become the youngest champion in UFC history and he is set to make a comeback against Terrence Mitchell at UFC Fight Night 227.
Also known as Noche UFC, the event will celebrate Mexican Independence Day. UFC flyweight champion Alexa Grasso will headline the card that features several Mexican fighters. While speaking about the opportunity to compete at the historic event, Raul Rosas Jr. said during the UFC Fight Week interview:
“I got very excited for our people, you know. They were going to have an event on this special day and when I started seeing the matchmaking, all the Mexican fighters that were on the card, getting on the card, I got excited for them because this card that they made is really exciting from top to bottom.”
He added:
“I really appreciate the opportunity to be able to also join the crowd of all these Mexican fighters, all this Mexican talent and to be able to join them on this special day to go out there and put on a performance for all our people.”
UFC Fight Night 227 will take place on September 16, 2023. Flyweight queen Alexa Grasso will attempt the first defence of the title against her predecessor Valentina Shevchenko in the main event. Raul Rosas Jr.’s return is one of the main attractions of the event.