SUMMARY
- Raul Rosas Jr. had to pull out of his fight against Ricky Turcios at UFC Mexico City.
- Raul Rosas Jr.'s father shares an update on the UFC star's medical condition.
Fans witnessed many exciting fights at UFC Mexico City. Brandon Moreno and Brandon Royval put it all on the line in the main event, while Brian Ortega secured a submission win against Yair Rodriguez in the co-main event. However, fans were disappointed after Raul Rosas Jr. pulled out of his fight against Ricky Turcios.
Raul Rosas Jr. was scheduled to face Ricky Turcios (12-3) at UFC Mexico City in his third UFC fight. However, the 19-year-old UFC bantamweight pulled out of the fight after arriving at the arena. As per reports, Raul Rosas Jr. fell sick while warming up for the fight.
Raul Rosas Sr. breaks silence on the UFC star’s medical condition
19-year-old Raul Rosas Jr.’s father and coach, Raul Sr., recently shared behind-the-scenes details of the scrapped fight from UFC Mexico City.
As per Raul Rosas Jr.’s father, the UFC star was feeling light-headed and dizzy before the fight. However, he still wanted to compete and put on a show for the fans at UFC Mexico City.
In the end, Raul Rosas’ team decided to cancel the fight on extremely short notice. Raul Sr. stated:
“To all the people asking what happened to Raul he was feeling light, dizziness and had low energy he still was ready had his gear on, and didn’t wanted to pull out of the fight. He was still gonna go out there and fight but we as a team didn’t let him go out there, his health comes first. If he’s not 100% it’s not worth going out there right now. He’s getting checked by the doctors. Thank you all for the support to Raul, he’ll be back.”
Raul Rosas Jr.’s father and coach, Raul Sr., shed light on his son’s #UFCMexico withdrawal (via IG), saying the team was the one who made the call. pic.twitter.com/3FehplHhgP
— Nolan King (@mma_kings) February 25, 2024
Raul Rosas Jr. has earned our respect for being willing to enter the octagon while dealing with a concerning medical condition. However, it’s needless to say that his team took the right call, prioritizing the health of the young UFC prospect.
This is not the first time UFC fighters have pulled out of their fights on fight night. And even though fans were disappointed with the fight cancellation, fighters’ teams taking such bold calls is always a good sight.
Raul Rosas Jr. is scheduled to fight next weekend at UFC Vegas 87
Dana White later confirmed that Raul Rosas Jr. will fight Ricky Turcios next weekend at UFC Vegas 87. Both fighters had already gained weight leading up to UFC Mexico City. Hence, this fight is expected to take place at a catchweight.
However, Ricky Turcios had upsetting news to share on Sunday after the UFC postponed the fight. Turcios expressed frustration about the canceled bout and trashed Raul Rosas Jr. for his unprofessional behavior. Turcios stated:
“Fake news. No fight contract has been signed yet for a new date. Last night, Rosas Jr. said no fight literally five minutes before the walk out to fight in the octagon. Rosas Jr. said no to facing me in the octagon in front of his 20,000 Mexican fans in Mexico City. Rosas Jr. disrespected the Bushido code.. very unprofessional..”
🚨| Ricky Turcios says he’s yet to sign a contract to fight Raul Rosas Jr. next weekend despite the broadcast and Dana White both announcing the matchup as official last night. #UFCMexico pic.twitter.com/dNro5CWj3F
— MMA Orbit (@mma_orbit) February 25, 2024
Since Dana White has already confirmed it, it’s very likely that fans will witness Rosas Jr. vs. Turcios at UFC Vegas 87. However, it won’t be surprising to see the UFC find a short-notice opponent for Raul Rosas Jr. if Ricky Turcios decides to pass on the opportunity.