Raul Rosas Jr is on the verge of becoming UFC’s youngest fighter ever aged 17; here’s why it’s legal
American mixed martial artist Raul Rosas Junior is on the cusp of making history as the youngest fighter to earn a UFC contract at just 17 years of age.
Rosas, who has already had five professional fights despite his youth, has recently signed to fight in UFC boss Dana White‘s Contender Series against fellow bantamweight Mando Gutierrez.
Should Rosas impress White and earn a UFC contract, he will break the previous record for the competition’s youngest fighter, featherweight Chase Hooper – who was 19 when he was also signed through the Contender Series.
Raul Rosas Jr is pictured signing a contract to be on Dana White’s Contender Series. The American MMA fighter is just 17 and will probably need a special licence to compete
Raul Rosas Jr is pictured with his contract for Dana White’s Contender Series. If Rosas is impresses Dana White, he’ll become the UFC’s youngest fighter ever
The Nevada Athletic Commission – which oversees Dana White’s Contender Series in Las Vegas – grants fighting permits to competitors under the age of 18, so long as special requirements are met.
According to state law, if the fighter has not reached 18 years of age they must have their application for a licence reviewed by the commission so any concerns can be addressed.
Rosas is trained by his father, Raul Rosas Senior, and should have no issues getting his special license to compete.
It’s likely his application will feature signed parental permission from his dad and endorsements from MMA figures.
UFC boss Dana White (pictured) hosts the Contender Series in which he scouts for talent to make the leap up to the world’s best known mixed martial arts competition
The bantamweight turns 18 in October, so the chances of Rosas being an adult by the time he actually debuts in the UFC are high.
Despite his age, Rosas’ short career has been very impressive. He has finished all of his opponents, defeating four of them in the first round.
However, all of Rosas’ bouts have taken place in Mexico in the Ultimate Warrior Challenge, which is not subject to as many rules and regulations as the better known tournaments.
American mixed martial artist Raul Rosas Jr. grapples for a submission in Mexico’s Ultimate Warrior Challenge. Rosas has a perfect record of five victories from five contests – and has finished all of his opponents
Rosas’ next opponent, Mando Gutierrez, is aged 25 and has more than twice as much experience as the youngster. He will also be working hard to earn a contract in the biggest MMA promotion on the planet by impressing Dana White.
Dana White’s Contender Series has been a hotbed of talent for the UFC with many current stars earning their stripes in the competition – including Australian competitors Jimmy Crute, Shannon Ross and Jack Della Maddalena.
Although Rosas could be the youngest UFC fighter of all time, fellow MMA promotion ONE has signed much younger fighters to compete – including Victoria ‘The Prodigy’ Lee, who was just 16 years old and going to high school when she made her professional debut.
