The youngest fighter on the UFC roster, 18 year-old Raul Rosas Jr., headlined Saturday’s UFC 282 preliminary fight card against veteran Jay Perrin.
It was Rosas’ promotional debut after earning a UFC contract following his win over Mando Gutierrez on Dana White’s Contender Series in September. He became the youngest fighter to compete inside the UFC octagon and showed that the future of the bantamweight has arrived.
After a brief exchange on their feet, Rosas changed levels and took Perrin down. Perrin worked his way back to his feet only to be thrown back to the canvas. Rosas took Perrin’s back. He improved his position and applied a body triangle. He worked to secure a rear-naked choke. Perrin tried to free himself but was eventually forced to tap out.
“This is crazy, but I knew that I was going to be here at this age, so right now I’m just living the dream,” Rosas said following the win. “I had no nerves, no pressure. I felt free and I’m doing what I love to do. Tonight, I just came to introduce myself because I’m coming for that belt.
During his post-fight interview, Rosas asked UFC president Dana White to award him a bonus. He wants to buy his mother a gift.
“Dana! 50 Gs! I would ask Santa Claus, but I don’t if Santa Claus can give it to me right now after this fight,” Rosas said. “I need that 50 Gs so I can buy my mother a minivan and she can give me a ride to PI (UFC Performance Institute).”
YOUNGEST FIGHTER IN UFC HISTORY WITH AN INCREDIBLE DEBUT FINISH 😨 #UFC282 @espnmma pic.twitter.com/r8jFwzvvfi
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) December 11, 2022
18 year-old Raul Rosas Jr. wins UFC debut