Raul Rosas Jr is set to make history in the UFC after being given licence to compete in the Dana White’s contender Series.
Teenager Raul Rosas Jr is set to make history to become the youngest ever UFC fighter on Tuesday after being given a special license to participate in Dana White’s Contender Series.
The 17-year-old is set to break the record set by Chase Hooper who signed for the UFC as a 19-year-old in 2019.
Rosas Jr has already won all five of his professional bouts inside the distance, and has now been given the opportunity to earn himself a full UFC contract, should he emerge victorious from the Contender Series.
Due to his age, Rosas Jr needed to get permission from his parents and sponsors to get a license, but he has confirmed that he has now been given the go ahead to compete.
“The commission already approved it. I already did all the paperwork,” Rosas Jr told MMA Junkie.
“All I had to do was a notary. My friend signed it. That’s the only thing that I had to do. Jason House did all the rest. I think he sent film to the commission and said why I’m ready to compete at this level and the commission approved.’
His license is expected to be made official by the Nevada Athletic Commission (NAC) on Tuesday, and Rosas Jr has already made weight for his fight with Mando Gutierrez (7-1).
Rosas Jr spoke of how he has consistently been underestimated in the early stages of his career.
However, he insists that he is ‘different’ to the other prospects making their way in the sport.
“They just see a 17-year-old. They’re just like, “Oh, a 17-year-old.” They think I’m a normal kid who’s 17 years old. I’m a different kind of 17-year-old,’ he explained.
“When they were at parties, when they were at summer vacation, I was at the gym, working my a** off. Since I was little, I knew what I wanted. I know what I want and I’m going to get out there and get it.
“To all those haters, I don’t really care. They can say whatever they want.”
Rosas Jr is on the verge of history, but he is not willing to rest on his laurels and has already set his sights on becoming the youngest UFC champion ever.
That record is currently held by Jon Jones, who became light-heavyweight champion at just 23 in 2011.
He continued: “The goal is that UFC title and to become the youngest UFC champion. I just want that contract to be able to get a step closer to my dream.”
