Lucas Rosa is carving a unique niche in the world of MMA, blending intellectual rigor with athletic prowess. In a recent interview with RG, Rosa, who remains undefeated with a 5-0 professional record, shared his unconventional journey from academia to the octagon, illustrating how his philosophical background informs his fighting style.
Rosa’s introduction to MMA is far from typical. While many fighters grow up entrenched in combat sports, Rosa’s foundation lies in academia. “I did philosophy and creative writing in college,” he stated, showcasing his diverse interests that extend beyond the cage. This academic journey culminated in a Watson Fellowship, an honor typically reserved for the brightest minds. “It’s like similar to Rhodes Scholar but a little bit more exclusive,” he explained, emphasizing the significance of this achievement.
New @Rizefc Champion of the World LUCAS The King of Monsters 👑 ROSA @LucasRosanation and just became the # 1 Amateur Fighter in the country 🇺🇸 #mma #ChuckysFight #BostonStrong #ROSANation @danawhite 👀 pic.twitter.com/84zlvV8pGJ
— Charles Rosa (@CharlesRosaMMA) September 17, 2023
His Watson Fellowship allowed him to explore mixed martial arts through a philosophical lens. “As far as I’m aware, it’s the only academic grant that’s ever been given for an MMA-based project,” Rosa noted proudly. This opportunity took him across the globe, immersing him in various martial arts cultures. “I lived in Cambodia doing this ancient martial art called bokota, muay thai in Thailand for six months, and did Dutch kickboxing in the northern Netherlands,” he recounted. This transformative experience solidified his passion for MMA: “Once I did that right after college, like I knew I’m like, this is what I want to do for the rest of my life.”
Upon returning to the United States, Rosa intensified his commitment to MMA by relocating to South Florida—what he calls “the Mecca of MMA”—to train at American Combat Gym. The results were remarkable; within two and a half years, he transitioned from novice to one of the top amateurs in the country. “They took me from being zero and zero to being the top amateur in the country within two and a half years,” he stated.
Rosa’s amateur career was extensive and strategic, with some sources citing a record of 9-1. However, he clarified that he had around 17 or 18 fights during this period. “Any time in the cage you get sort of amounts to, I feel like, almost a month of training each round almost,” he explained, highlighting how each bout contributed significantly to his skill development.
Transitioning into professional fighting has been swift and successful for Rosa. In just seven months, he achieved an impressive 5-0 record. Reflecting on his early setbacks, including a canceled debut fight in February, he said, “I just remember how disappointed I was.” This disappointment fueled his ambition: “I remember thinking to myself, like, you know, you’re gonna get to 4-0, 5-0 by the end of the year.”
Rosa’s success is not merely about accumulating wins; it’s also about finishing fights decisively. He attributes this finishing ability to his coach Charles McCarthy’s influence on his grappling style: “All of them were under two minutes and they’re pretty much all like because of my jujitsu finishing ability.” His approach emphasizes not just physicality but also an intellectual understanding of fighting dynamics.
Despite his rapid ascent in MMA, Rosa maintains a thoughtful approach toward his career. He balances skill-building with fight preparation and emphasizes continuous improvement: “I need to be skill building as I’m getting better in these fights.” This mindset reflects his broader goal of integrating intellectual pursuits with physical challenges.
Family influences also play a significant role in Rosa’s journey. His brother Charles Rosa is an established UFC fighter; however, Lucas is keen on establishing his own identity within the sport. “The reasons are a little different,” he noted when comparing their motivations.
Looking forward, Rosa’s ambitions are ambitious yet grounded. He aims not only to excel within MMA but also to revolutionize perceptions of the sport. “I want to try to change it to more like thinking about it more as pursuit of knowledge,” he stated.
As Lucas Rosa continues his rise in MMA, he exemplifies a new breed of fighter—one who combines intellectual depth with athletic excellence. With an impressive record and a unique perspective on combat sports, Rosa is certainly a rising star worth watching in the ever-evolving landscape of mixed martial arts.
