Raul Rosas Jr., a 19-year-old UFC prospect, is eagerly awaiting confirmation to fight at UFC 306, a significant event celebrating Mexican Independence Day, but he has yet to secure an opponent and is issuing an open challenge to top-ranked bantamweights.
Raul Rosas Jr. is eagerly waiting for confirmation to fight at UFC 306, the second annual Noche UFC event celebrating Mexican Independence Day. Following a dominant win over Ricky Turcios in June, it seemed almost certain the 19-year-old prospect would be on the September card in Las Vegas.
Since joining the UFC, Rosas has quickly become one of the most talked-about names on the roster. His Mexican heritage makes him a perfect fit for this pay-per-view event. The only hitch? He still hasn’t found an opponent.
Rosas is essentially issuing an open challenge to anyone in the top 15 rankings or another big-name bantamweight willing to face him. “I’m waiting for a fight at the Sphere,” Rosas told MMA Fighting. “It’s history in the making, and I want to be part of it.”
Initially, he wanted a top 15 guy or a fighter with a big name because it’s such a significant event. “Imagine if you could bring someone like me on the other side of the cage—how big of a fight would that be?” Rosas mused.
A quick glance at UFC rankings reveals several potential names without current bookings, but one stands out to Rosas: Pedro Munhoz. “I hadn’t really looked at it but now that you mention those names, I think Pedro Munhoz would be a good fight,” he said.
Munhoz hasn’t fought since March when he lost to Phillips, marking his second consecutive defeat. Despite Munhoz’s recent record, his overall resume intrigues Rosas because it offers him a match against an established veteran with real credentials.
“How many people would tune into that one wanting to see me break into the top 15 and some wanting to see him stop me?” Rosas pondered. “He’s experienced; I’m young and hungry.”
Rosas understands that some ranked fighters may not show much interest in facing prospects who don’t offer them upward mobility. Yet, he’s built enough of a name for himself that should make him an attractive fight for anyone—even without a number next to his name.
“There’s nothing to win sometimes for them,” Rosas explained. “But any top 15 fighter like Pedro Munhoz fighting me has a lot to gain by trying to steal my hype.”
With hopes high that a fight will materialize soon, Rosas has already started his training camp in preparation for Sept. 14 at UFC 306. He remains confident about getting the call but acknowledges Dana White’s comments about limited spots have made him more vocal about finding an opponent sooner rather than later.
“This is like my third week of camp,” Rosas said. “I’m feeling ready and sharp; just waiting for a name.” The limited number of spots on the card adds pressure but also fuels his confidence.
“If you asked anybody if I should be on that card, I feel like I most definitely got to be there,” he asserted confidently. “The numbers talk—I bring lots of fans and views.”