Record-breaking Raul Rosas Jr , who was signed at just 17, claimed his fifth victory in the octagon and then bought his mum a new home to celebrate Mother’s Day
While most 20-year-olds were scrambling around for a card and a petrol station bouquet on Mother’s Day, that was never going to cut it for Raul Rosas Jr, with the rising star set to buy his mum a house.
Rosas Jr, who was signed by UFC president Dana White at 17, picked up his fifth win in the company in Mexico City as he outgrappled Vince Morales to gain a unanimous decision from the judges.
While ‘El Nino Problema’ – The Problem Child – continues to prove he is too much of a handful in the octagon for his opponents, his nickname couldn’t be further from the truth when it comes to supporting his family.
Looking to break into the top 15 of the bantamweight division next time he steps in the cage en route to the 135lb title, Rosas Jr, who is 5-1 in the UFC, said: “Honestly, more than anything, I am just focused on the belt. That is all that matters to me.
“If I am 10 fights away or 15 fights away (from the title), I will get them over as that is my ultimate goal.
“More than anything, I am able to provide for my family every single fight more and more. I am just happy that now, God willing, I am going to be able to go back and talk about buying a house for my mother, my family and keep supporting them.
“If I want to become champion, I have to be able to defeat anybody that the UFC puts in front of me. Put a tough test in front of me and, you know, if I was to lose, then that means I am just not ready to be a champion yet.
“I want challenges as this is what makes me better, so I just want anybody from the top 15 next. I am just 20 years old, still growing, evolving and getting a step closer to the bantamweight belt.”
The fan favourite’s high-pitched catchphrase ‘Chiwiwi’ – a made-up word that Rosas Jr says means “excitement and happiness” – was ringing out around the Arena CDMX during his bout with Morales.
Rosas Jr, who was born in New Mexico and now lives in California after his family emigrated from Mexico City, added: “It feels amazing to connect with the people and bring a word that makes your day.
“You know, this word just brings excitement, it lights up the room. Maybe if you are having a bad day and you hear the ‘Chiwiwis’, you get happy and it brings a smile to your face. I am glad I am able to do that for the people.”
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