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MMA prodigy becomes UFC’s youngest-ever star at age 17 after impressing Dana White with Octagon Boss’ crucial Contender Series win — and says he’ll be world champion by the time he’s 20
- Raul Rosas Jr. becomes youngest ever UFC fighter at just 17 years old with dominant win
- The Mexican teen has stated that against 20 . UFC champion will be
- UFC President Dana White says he’s never seen anything like it
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Raul Rosas Jr. is not legally old enough to drink alcohol in the US, but the 17-year-old will soon be fighting in the UFC after dominating his opponent on Dana White’s Contender Series and making history as the organization’s youngest-ever fighter.
The Mexican bantamweight, who says he has been beating adult men for as long as he can remember, took an impressive decision win against 25-year-old Mando Gutierrez on Tuesday night at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas.
Mexican 17-year-old Raul Rosas Jr. made history by becoming the youngest ever UFC fighter when he defeated Mando Gutierrez in the Dana White Contender Series (pictured)
UFC boss Dana White was very impressed with the teen’s domineering portrayal, saying he had never seen anything like ‘The Problem Child’
After the fight, it was announced that Rosas would indeed be given a full-time UFC contract, with the organization’s president, Dana White, singing the praises of “The Problem Child.”
“There wasn’t even anything to discuss. We didn’t even talk about it then. I’ve never seen anything like it,” White said.
“He is definitely, positively talented. He’s special. He is different. At the age of 17 you just don’t see children treating themselves like that.’
“I am very impressed with this boy. He is absolutely special. The number of fighters that blow me up and say, ‘Oh my God. This boy is real. This boy is legit. Impressive.”
Rosas is undefeated as a professional and the contract with the world’s largest MMA organization will be absolutely life-changing for him and his family.
All three judges scored the match 30-27 for Rosas, with the youngster showing creative style in the Octagon against a much more experienced opponent
“It would mean a lot to me,” Rosas said before the fight. ‘I will change the life of my family. I will change my life. It would just mean a lot to me.
“Like I said, I’ll be happy, but not satisfied. The goal is to take that UFC title and become the youngest UFC champion. I just want that contract to be one step closer to my dream.”
Since he turned pro, the Mexican says, promoters have often hesitated to book him because of his age — but their doubts subsided significantly after seeing Rosas dominate who put everyone before him.
Rosas Jr is overjoyed to sign a deal with the UFC and has now vowed to become world champion at age 20
“I don’t think those people know much about fighting,” Rosas said. “They just see a 17-year-old. They’re like, ‘Oh, a 17-year-old.’ They think I’m a normal 17 year old kid.
“I’m a different kind of 17-year-old. When they were at parties, when they were on summer vacation, I was working at the gym.
‘Ever since I was little, I knew what I wanted. I know what I want and I’m going to get it.
Because of his age, Rosas Jr had to get permission from his parents and sponsors to get a license to fight in the Octagon.
Due to his age, Rosas Jr had to get permission from his parents and sponsors to get a license to fight in the Octagon
‘All I had to do was get a notary. My friend signed it,” said the teenage sensation.
“That’s all I had to do, [my manager] Jason House did the rest. I think he sent film to the committee and said why I am ready to compete at this level and the committee approved it.’
Rosa Jr. has vowed to become a UFC champion at the age of 20.
The competition’s previous youngest fighter was featherweight Chase Hooper, who was 19 when he was also signed to the Contender Series.