With UFC 287 right in front of us, fans haven’t been more excited to get through one of the most stacked cards of the year. This event marks UFC’s return to the city of Miami since 2003 and features the cream of the crop. One such fight that captivated the fight fans’ minds was a bantamweight feature between Raul Rosas Jr. and Christian Rodriguez. Rosas made his UFC debut in December last year.
Unfortunately for the 18-year-old, Rodriguez brought Raul’s quick rise to the top to a standstill. Being a Contender Series alumni, Rosas was heading into his second UFC bout against a very experienced fighter in Rodriguez. Rosas went for the kill straight away at the beginning of the first round, however, his opponent had the answers ready for him
Fans witnessed a grappling-heavy exchange between the two. Rosas Jr. had his moment during the first round when he even secured Rodriguez’s neck. However, things turned around when Rodriguez ended up on top of Raul and trapped him near the cage. With his legs wrapped tightly around the 18-year-old, Christian started hitting him on his head.
Christian Rodriguez gets it done! 👊@ceerod97 hands Raul Rosas Jr. his first career loss at #UFC287! pic.twitter.com/cmV9CkbirH
— UFC (@ufc) April 9, 2023
The final round witnessed a more cautious and timid Rosas. Fatigue definitely seemed an issue for the prospect. During the 3rd round, Christian took down Raul with ease and controlled him from the top. Taking hits to his head and ribs, there was no recovering back for Raul from the barrage.
Rodriguez completely destroyed Raul Rosas Jr. in only the former’s second UFC bout. He has now advanced to 9-1 with his professional record.
Fans react to Raul Rosas Jr. losing for the first time in UFC
The MMA community is as brutal as before. Fighters and critics took no time to jump the gun and voice their disdain towards the youngest fighter in the UFC. While some fans blame the UFC president Dana White for fast-tracking the up-and-comer, others believe Rosas Jr. was never ready in the first place.
Dana White crying right now. Raul Rosas getting beatin by a dude who’s not even a good wrestler, striker and jiu jitsu. #UFC287
— Garuda (@GarudaJecky) April 9, 2023
Dana White’s plans to normalize Child Labor are derailed along with Raul Rosas hype train tonight.
😂😂😂😂#UFC287— MMAFayce (@MMAFayce) April 9, 2023
Dana white really be pushing for some lame fighters like do Raul Rosas even know you can throw a punch in UFC??? Im honestly curious
— Punk (@PunkDaGod) April 9, 2023
Raul Rosas Jr. should not be fighting at 18 years of age at this level – it’s dangerous man, what is Dana White even playing at here? #UFC287
— Luke (@Lucky29Luke) April 9, 2023
Raul Rosas Jr about to get the Sage Northcut treatment.. This is why you don’t sign kids to fight men.#UFC287
— Sean Strickland (@SStricklandMMA) April 9, 2023
Ego check for sure. Very young and can really grow and come back way Better from this experience.
— Chris Weidman (@chrisweidman) April 9, 2023
that was embarrassingly bad my goodness never put him on the main card again
— » (@001cozy001) April 9, 2023
I’m glad this child got humiliated. Serves him right for looking past his opponents. I get that the UFC pushed him as an up-and-coming young prospect, but the kid didn’t show an ounce of humbleness
— Zoheb MMA (@ZohebMMA) April 9, 2023
He gave that kid a beating 😭😭
Send Rosas back to the prelims— 🔱 (@ymufc1) April 9, 2023
Jon Jones’s youngest champion record is gonna last😭😭
— Will Kelly (@WillKelly34) April 9, 2023
With an improved skillset and more prowesses added to his arsenal, we think Raul Rosas Jr. can turn things around, given his young age. What do you guys think about his first promotional loss? Let us know in the comments down below.