19-year-old phenom Raul Rosas Jr. plans to retire by the time hes’ 25.
On the heels of back-to-back finishes against Terrence Mitchell and Ricky Turcois, ‘El Nino Problema’ returns to the Octagon on Saturday night seeking another big win against Mongolian standout Aoriqileng at UFC 306—also known as Riyadh Season Noche UFC.
It will be Rosas’ fifth appearance under the UFC banner—an especially impressive feat for a fighter who hasn’t even reached his 20th birthday yet. But if all goes according to plan, the New Mexico native will accomplish everything he’s planning over the next few years, allowing him to put a cap on his career by 25.
“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. “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.”
Raul Rosas Jr. says he plans to be the youngest UFC champion and retire at 25 years old
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Raul Rosas Jr. Hopes for a Name in the Top 15 with a Win at UFC 306
After a furious start to his mixed martial arts career, you can’t fault the guy for having a truckload of confidence, but if he hopes to keep his lofty goals afloat beyond this weekend’s card at Sphere, he’ll need to deliver another impressive performance against his toughest test yet.
“Right now, this is my opportunity,” Rosas Jr. continued. “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.”
Aoriqileng goes into his scrap with Rosas having won two out of three, though his last appearance in February against Daniel Marcos ended in a no-contest due to an unintentional groin strike.
Overall, he is 3-3 inside the Octagon, 25-11 overall.
Watch the full interview below:
