Raul Rosas Jr. is confident in his readiness for ranked competition and trusts the UFC to guide his career in the right direction.
After securing a victory over Aoriqileng at UFC 306, the 19-year-old rising star wasted no time in calling for a top 15 opponent. However, Rosas emphasizes that it’s not a demand but rather a desire to advance his career and eventually contend for a title.
Rosas explained, “If I had finished the fight, I would have a strong case for facing a top 15 opponent. I want to face a top 15 opponent, but if my next fight is not against one, I hope to fight someone that the UFC acknowledges as a stepping stone towards a ranked opponent. Either way, I want to be on the verge.”
He added, “I want fights that will bring me closer to the championship. I don’t want to face someone I will easily defeat and remain in the same position. I want to defeat someone who will significantly elevate my standing.”
While Rosas has set his sights on becoming a UFC champion, he recognizes that he has time on his side.
Acknowledging that defeating a ranked opponent would expedite his journey, Rosas appreciates the value of facing seasoned UFC veterans who may not have a number next to their name but still pose a significant challenge.
Having gained valuable experience from facing a veteran like Aoriqileng, who boasts nearly 40 fights on his record, Rosas is eager to climb higher in the UFC’s bantamweight division hierarchy.
“That’s the ultimate goal,” Rosas affirmed regarding his ambition to become UFC champion. “With each fight, I am gaining more experience and improving.”
Reflecting on his recent fight, Rosas viewed it as an opportunity to gain experience against tougher competition. He expressed willingness to accept similar challenges in the future to continue his growth.
Regarding his next fight, Rosas expressed a desire to compete before the year ends but emphasized the importance of fully recovering from lingering injuries first.
He explained, “I have some injuries from the fight, including a knee injury. I want to ensure I am fully healed before booking my next fight.”
If a December fight does not materialize, Rosas hinted that he may wait until April 2025 to compete again, as he values spending time with his family during the holidays.
Rosas shared, “I want to enjoy Christmas this year. Last year, I had to train throughout December and January for a fight in February, which wasn’t ideal. This year, I want to savor the holiday season.”
He anticipates a decision on his fighting status for 2024 in the coming weeks and mentioned a potential grappling match in October as part of his ongoing training.
Rosas disclosed, “I’m currently in training camp for a possible grappling match in October. While nothing is confirmed yet, I’m preparing for it.”