The youngest MMA fighter in UFC history is talking about ending his career at 19. Does Raul Rosas Jr have a bright future ahead of him?

Raul Rosas Jr. is only 19 years old, yet he has already had four fights in the UFC and now he is about to have his fifth. This weekend he will face the 12 years older and much more experienced Chinese fighter Aoriqileng. Despite his age, the youngest fighter in UFC history is talking about ending his career.

• Raul Rosas Jr. is the youngest fighter in UFC history
• He fought for a contract at the age of 17
• He’s already talking about the end of his career

It was September of 2022 when only 17-year-old Raul Rosas Jr. was fighting in Dana White’s Contender Series for a UFC contract. He defeated the 8-years-older Mando Guttierez in dominant fashion on points, and it was a done deal. Contract offered, signed, the great hope of world MMA became the youngest fighter in the history of the organization.

In December of that year, he also notched his first win, stopping the 12-years-older Jay Perrin in the first round. He didn’t make the second fight, however, and was beaten on points by the now 26-year-old Christian Rodriguez.

After the defeat, however, Rosas had two more fights and won both, one in the first round and one in the second. He handled older and more experienced fighters Terrence Mitchel (34) and Ricky Turcios (31).

Raul is now 19 years old and is about to fight his fifth fight in the UFC. He will be challenged by 31-year-old Aoriqileng, who has a 3-3 record in the organization. The up-and-coming fighter will be at the UFC 306 gala in Las Vegas at the new Sphere Arena and will be fighting not only for a win, but also for a rise in popularity.

Still, he surprised fans with his pre-fight comments made as part of his media obligations. He started talking about the end of his career.

Rosas is talking about the end of his career. How long will he be in the UFC?

For someone to talk about the end of his career at 19 years old, we don’t see that too often. Especially when Raul Rosas is healthy, he has everything in front of him and the top may be waiting for him in maybe 10 years. But he is clear about his plans for the future.

“I just want to fulfill my dreams – to become the youngest champion in UFC history, win the belt, defend it a few times and then retire. Hopefully by the time I’m 25 I’ll have accomplished everything and then I can enjoy time with my family and do whatever I want. I feel like I’m on the right path,” MMA Mania quotes him as saying.

“Right now is my opportunity. I’m going to focus on the present. If I make my fight this weekend, I’ll be able to challenge for a big name, maybe someone in the top 15 of the rankings. It will be a good test,” the UFC starlet added.

Source: UFC, ESPN