Morning Report: Raul Rosas Jr. reveals hope to retire at age 25: ‘I feel like I’m right on track’
Raul Rosas Jr. isn’t here for a long time, he’s here for a good time.
Yes, the UFC bantamweight prospect has garnered an incredible amount of attention thus far thanks to his great skillset at just age 19. Surprisingly, the ambitious youngster doesn’t want to stick around and cement a lasting legacy, if possible.
Certain goals are in mind with records to break, but Rosas wants to get in and get out as he continues his career with a clash against Aoriqileng at Noche UFC’s UFC 306 this Saturday night. A win for Rosas would be his fourth in the octagon, inching him closer to the top of the mountain, which he intends to reach before a fast-paced departure from MMA.
“I just wanna accomplish my dreams which is to become the youngest UFC champion, have the belt, defend the belt a few times, probably retire,” Rosas Jr. told ESPN MMA (h/t MMA Mania). “Hopefully by 25 years old my career is all said and done and I’m able to enjoy time with my family and whatever I decide to do. I feel like I’m right on track.
“Right now, this is my opportunity. This fight this Saturday is gonna put me in a very good spot with four wins in the UFC and four finishes. Right now I’m focused on that and whatever comes next, I’m gonna be ready. After this fight I’m able to get a big name, maybe a top 15 or a good name, a good test.”
Rosas made history when he entered Dana White’s Contender Series in late 2022, ultimately earning himself a spot on the UFC roster at the unprecedented age of 18. 9-1 overall, Rosas’ lone pitfall came opposite Christian Rodriguez in his sophomore appearance when he lost a unanimous decision at UFC 287 last year.
A fight on the big Mexican Independence Day celebration from UFC felt fitting for the Mexican descendant. Going forward, fans will have to wait and see if Rosas’ prophecy comes true before his desired expiration date.
Coincidentally for Rosas, UFC 306 will feature the next title fight at bantamweight when the champion Sean O’Malley defends against top-ranked contender Merab Dvalishvili in the main event.
TOP STORIES
Obvious. Canelo Alvarez calls Conor McGregor ‘easy money’ fight, predicts knockout ‘at the time I want’
Stardom. Sean O’Malley: Conor McGregor has ‘one more huge fight,’ but if he loses, ‘I’m the No. 1’ star in UFC
Reflection. Mike Goldberg open to UFC return, still disappointed with 2016 sale: ‘I helped build that product’
$$$. UFC broadcast deal negotiating windows revealed, multiple platforms ‘anxious’ to get involved
Poking. Tom Aspinall says he’s trying to provoke Jon Jones into a fight: ‘I’m trying to test his ego’
Speculation. Matt Brown doesn’t buy that UFC is rooting for Sean O’Malley to win: ‘UFC is a monster f*cking brand’ with or without him
LET’S WATCH
UFC 306 Media Day.
Embedded 3.
Anatomy of UFC 306.
Diego Lopes fight week.
Dominations.
Must-See Contender Series Highlights.
Full fight.
Cooking with Volk (Spinoff).
LISTEN UP
No Bets Barred. MMA Fighting’s Jed Meshew and Alex K. Lee discuss if Sean O’Malley can make UFC 306 ‘the greatest live sporting event of all time.’
MORNING MUSIC
Go to Twitter, use the #MorningReport hashtag, or find one of my tweets with it, and drop me a jam you’re currently really into. I’ll pick the best one alongside my daily choice and give you a shoutout! You can also share in the comments below — those are just harder to sift through sometimes!
This month’s full playlist:
SOCIAL SCROLL DOWN
Kitted.
Sean O'Malley's fight kit for #NocheUFC #UFC306 l Saturday, 10 ET PM l ESPN+ PPV https://t.co/Rea50J8xii pic.twitter.com/8Ds34TtFTV
— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) September 11, 2024
Team Bones.
I’ve never had a better coaching staff, this team is unstoppable. pic.twitter.com/2HM8uJEpFK
— BONY (@JonnyBones) September 11, 2024
Stats.
UFC 306 will be Valentina Shevchenko's 12th UFC title fight. Just five fighters have competed in more title bouts in promotion history.
— Andy Hickey MMA (@AndyHickeyMMA) September 11, 2024
Jon Jones, GSP, Randy Couture, Demetrious Johnson & Anderson Silva. pic.twitter.com/Br3LfgAamQ
Bizarre.
I asked Aura, the humanoid robot at The Sphere, who will win the main event at #NocheUFC on Saturday. pic.twitter.com/ng1osp2Ja3
— Aaron Bronsteter (@aaronbronsteter) September 12, 2024
Team effort.
FIGHT ANNOUNCEMENTS
Charles Jourdain (15-8-1) vs. Victor Henry (24-6, 1 NC); UFC Edmonton, Nov. 2
EXIT POLL
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