MEXICO CITY – Raul Rosas Jr. has the highest of ambitions for his fighting career, but after another octagon victory Saturday at UFC on ESPN 64, he wants to fill some personal goals, as well.
The 20-year-old Rosas Jr. (11-1 MMA, 5-1 UFC) became the youngest fighter to reach five UFC victories when he outworked Vince Morales (11-10 MMA, 3-8 UFC) to a unanimous decision at Arena CDMX, extending his winning streak to four fights.
Rosas Jr. has made it clear he wants to become UFC champion, and ideally in the new couple years so he can break Jon Jones’ record as the youngest ever. He’s still early in the process and taking it fight-by-fight, though, and with that trying to be smart with his earnings.
Getting his hand raised at UFC on ESPN 64 was a big moment for Rosas Jr., though. Not only does he think it potentially sets him up for ranked competition, but he thinks he’s now accumulated enough wealth to cross of a major bucket list item for his mom.
“More than anything I’m just focused on the belt – I don’t care if I’m 10 fights away or two fights away,” Rosas Jr. told MMA Junkie post-fight at UFC on ESPN 64. “I’ll get them over with. That’s my ultimate goal and more than anything, I’m able to provide my family every single fight, more and more. I’m just happy that now, God willing, I’m going to be able to go back right now and talk about buying a house for my mother, my family and keep supporting them and myself. I’m happy at the moment and excited to be back, hopefully against a top 15 opponent.”
Rosas Jr. admits that, despite getting his hand raised, he wasn’t blown away by his own performance. He gave it a passing mark, but thinks he could’ve done more to be dominant or finish his opponent inside the distance.
Nevertheless, Rosas Jr. said he’s able to step back and look at the big picture, and another 15 minutes of experience isn’t the cage is only going to be beneficial to his evolution process.
“I’d grade it an eight out of 10,” Rosas Jr. said. “I feel like I’ve got a lot of improve. I’m proud of myself in a way that I managed to stay calm, patient throughout hard positions. … I would’ve liked to finish, but these fights, getting more experience – I’m just 20 years old and still growing and evolving and getting a step closer to the belt.”
For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC on ESPN 64.
