Raul Rosas Jr. says he nearly pulled out of UFC 306 fight vs. Aori Qileng
LAS VEGAS – Raul Rosas Jr. beat Aori Qileng with a unanimous decision Saturday to open the preliminary card at UFC 306 at Sphere in Las Vegas.
Take a look inside the fight with Rosas, who had to go the distance for a UFC win for the first time – and said he nearly pulled out of the fight during a tumultuous camp.
Raul Rosas Jr. def. Aori Qileng
Sep 14, 2024; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Raul Rosas Jr. of Mexico (red gloves) fights Aoriqileng of China (blue gloves) during Riyadh Season Noche UFC 306 at The Sphere. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images
Result: Raul Rosas Jr. def. Aori Qileng via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Updated records: Rosas Jr. (10-1 MMA, 4-1 UFC), Qileng (25-12 MMA, 3-4 UFC)
Key stats: Rosas controlled a little more than half the fight, but had to work through a little adversity as about a 10-1 favorite – the biggest betting favorite on the card.
Rosas on the fight’s key moment
“I knew he was going to be tough. A lot of people think it was an easy fight (going in), but they don’t know him. He’s a very skilled opponent, very experienced, 25 wins, 11 losses – that’s a lot of experience, way more than me. I was ready to put three rounds in. I think I was able to show a lot of people how I react in the third round – I’m still strong and powerful as (I am in the) first. I’m glad that I went three rounds just now. I’m able to show the people that I’m able to go three rounds (and win). When I lost, I went three rounds. Now I’m more experienced and more calm in these situations.”
Rosas on his success early in life
Raul Rosas Jr.
“I’m blessed to be where I am right now. I feel full of emotions right now because I’m 19 years old. This is my fifth fight in the UFC. I’m 4-1. I’d like to say four finishes (despite the decision win over Qileng), but either way, it was a good experience. And write it down: I made history being the first fighter to ever get their hand raised inside of the Sphere. On paper, for everything that I have at this age – right now, I’m wearing a whole thing from Dolce & Gabbana that I was able to buy myself. I’m not trying to be cocky or nothing. I’m just trying to say how grateful I am to be where I am, just 19 years old. I’m blessed.”
Rosas on what he wants next
“I do want to get back in there as soon as possible, but first I want to get my injuries solved. So before even taking the next fight, I want to make sure my hand is OK, my foot is OK, my whole body is OK.”
To hear more from Rosas, check out the video of the full post-fight interview above.
For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 306.
Raul Rosas Jr. says he nearly pulled out of UFC 306 fight vs. Aori Qileng