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Raul Rosas Jr. believes the time has come to shed the “prospect” label and prove he belongs among the bantamweight contenders.
The 19-year-old rising star sees his next fight as the perfect opportunity to take that step. This Saturday, Rosas Jr. (11-1 MMA, 5-1 UFC) faces veteran Rob Font (22-9 MMA, 12-8 UFC) on the main card of UFC 326 (Paramount+) at T-Mobile Arena. It will mark the first time in his young MMA career that Rosas Jr. competes against a ranked opponent.
“Getting a top-15 opponent is what I’ve been looking for,” Rosas Jr. said during Wednesday’s media day. “I’ve been working so hard for this opportunity, and I’m ready to make the most of it.”
Rosas Jr. views the matchup as proof that he’s no longer just a fighter for the future, but a competitor ready to make an impact right now. He has five UFC wins and enters the bout riding a four-fight winning streak since suffering the first loss of his professional career.
“I expect him to come with everything because he’s trying to prove something,” Rosas Jr. said. “I’m trying to prove that I’m ready, that it’s my time and that I belong here. And I know he’s trying to prove he’s still here despite his age. We’re both saying ‘despite our age,’ and we’re going to see what time it is – and I believe it’s my time.”
Expecting a win that would further establish him as a top talent at 135 pounds, Rosas Jr. also has great respect for Font’s experience inside the octagon. He believes this fight could be the beginning of many high-level matchups to come.
“He’s been in there, headlined events, gone through wars – that’s what excites me about this fight,” Rosas Jr. said while discussing Font. “Since I got into this company, I’ve been looking to test myself. There’s no better place to start than with Rob Font. After this, I know only tough fights are coming, and I’m ready for it.”
