Raul Rosas Jr. has an ambitious plan as he embraces 2024 post bouncing back from defeat and still remains the youngest fighter on the UFC roster.
At just 19 years old with extensive room to continue his career, Rosas Jr. (8-1 MMA, 2-1 UFC) has set his sights on an ambitious goal: contending for a spot in the UFC bantamweight rankings at next year’s Noche UFC.
“I want to be very active, that way by staying active I can be in a position to be fighting for a spot in the rankings on Sept. 16,” Rosas Jr. told MMA Junkie in Spanish regarding his goal for 2024.
“I want to be in this next one (Noche UFC) hopefully. I hear that they’re going to have it at the Sphere. I want to stay active, and when that moment comes, I want to be fighting for a spot in the top 15 rankings, God willing.”
The UFC held its first show celebrating Mexican Independence Day on Sept. 16 in Las Vegas. UFC CEO Dana White assured that this will be an annual event for the company.
Having fought in the inaugural Noche UFC and earning a first-round TKO victory over Terrence Mitchell, Rosas Jr. hopes the UFC will continue to showcase him at these events that celebrate his heritage.
When asked about potential opponents for next year, Rosas Jr. didn’t have a specific name given the unpredictable nature of the division.
“I don’t have any specific name, but I feel I can fight with the best, so I’m willing to face anyone,” Rosas Jr. said. “It’s hard to say who I want to fight against because the division is way too stacked, and you just see fighters jumping in and out of the rankings.
“I know that if I fight someone in the rankings next Sept. 16, the rankings are going to look much different than now, so I’m just going to have to wait for now.”
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