Teenage MMA fighter Raul Rosas Jr has made history by becoming the youngest person to win a UFC fight.
Rosas, 18, signed up to the UFC after beating opponent Mando Gutierrez at the Contender Series in September. His win made a big impression on Dana White who said he’d never seen a fighter like him.
Last night (10 December), he faced Jay Perrin in Las Vegas for UFC 282, and made a strong start by taking Perrin to the mat shortly after the fight began.
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Perrin made solid attempts at defending himself, but Rosas was able to get him into a choke hold under the chin forcing the American to tap out.
Speaking during a post-fight interview Rosas said he hoped to earn a $50,000 bonus so he could buy his mum a minivan.
He said: “I'm living the dream right now. Dana, I need the $50,000 bonus so I can buy my mother a minivan and she can give me a ride to the PI [Performance Institute].
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“I knew I was going to be here at this age, I have no nerves and no pressure. I feel free and I love what I'm doing. Right now, I have introduced myself but I'm coming for that belt."
Despite his young age, Rosas has bags of confidence.
During a recent interview with the Mirror, the teen said he’s got his sights set on his UFC title by the time he turns 20 and wants to become the first fighter to become a three-weight champ.
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"I keep getting better and better, but even at this level I can beat anybody.
"I’m ready to be on the big stage so I’m glad I’m fighting on the pay-per-view card.
"I’ve been putting a lot of work in and the UFC put me in because I’m going to go and finish this guy.
"If there’s anybody to put on the pay-per-view card it’s someone like me because I’m a showman.
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"When I fight, I enter the matrix, I fight to win for myself but to also be an entertainer and do some crazy s***."
Claire Reid