Raul Rosas Jr. is barely legal to buy a beer in some countries, but he’s already a veteran of the Octagon’s most intense pressures. If you’ve been following the hype train, you know it’s been a wild ride. From becoming the youngest fighter in UFC history to that crushing reality check against Christian Rodriguez, "El Niño Problema" has had the eyes of the entire MMA world on his back.
But let’s talk about the now.
Raul Rosas Jr. last fight took place on March 29, 2025, at UFC on ESPN 64 in Mexico City. It wasn't the lightning-fast submission many fans expected. It wasn't a highlight-reel knockout that would trend for a month. Honestly, it was something much more valuable for a 21-year-old prospect: a gritty, tactical, three-round grind.
He faced Vince Morales, a savvy veteran who was supposed to be the "test" to see if Rosas had finally fixed his gas tank issues.
The Mexico City Battle: Rosas Jr. vs. Morales
The atmosphere in Mexico City was electric. You could feel the weight of expectation. Rosas was fighting in front of a crowd that treats him like a returning king, and that kind of pressure can break a young fighter.
Most people expected Raul to dive for a leg in the first ten seconds. Instead, we saw a more patient version of the kid. He didn't just rush in blindly.
Basically, the first round was a chess match on the feet. Morales has hands—real power—and he wasn't intimidated by the hype. Rosas used his reach, landing some stiff jabs and testing the waters with a few level changes that Morales defended well. It was tense. You could hear a pin drop whenever Morales landed a counter-hook.
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By the second round, the grappling took over. Rosas finally secured a beautiful double-leg against the fence. This is where he usually shines, but Morales was like glue. Every time Raul tried to transition to the back, Morales would find a way to scramble or get a hand on a hip.
It was a grueling round.
Rosas ended up winning the round on control time, but he looked tired. This was the moment everyone feared—the "third-round slump." We’ve seen him fade before. We saw it against Rodriguez.
But this time? He dug deep.
The third round was a back-and-forth slugfest and scramble-fest. Rosas managed to out-hustle Morales in the final two minutes, securing one last takedown that probably sealed the deal for the judges. When the horn blew, it was clear he’d done enough.
The scorecards read 29-28 across the board. A Unanimous Decision win.
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Why This Win Was Different
If you look at his record, you see a lot of first-round finishes. Submissions in two minutes. Quick KOs. Those are great for the highlight reel, but they don't teach you how to win when things go wrong.
Against Morales, things went "kinda" wrong.
He couldn't get the finish. His primary game plan was met with stiff resistance. He had to fight through fatigue in the high altitude of Mexico City—a place that has killed the cardio of much more experienced champions.
- He proved he has a chin.
- He proved he can win a 15-minute fight.
- He showed improved striking defense.
This fight moved his professional record to 11-1. More importantly, it showed the UFC brass that he’s maturing. He isn't just a "sub-or-bust" fighter anymore.
The Road to UFC 326 and Rob Font
So, what’s next? The momentum from that Mexico City win was supposed to carry him into a massive fight against Rob Font in late 2025. Unfortunately, the "injury bug" bit hard. Rosas had to pull out of their scheduled September bout, and David Martinez stepped in to beat Font instead.
But the UFC isn't letting this narrative die.
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They’ve officially re-booked the fight. Raul Rosas Jr. is set to face Rob Font at UFC 326 on March 7, 2026, in Las Vegas. This is, without a doubt, the biggest step up in his career. Font is a perennial top-10 or top-15 talent with some of the best boxing in the bantamweight division.
If Rosas can get past Font, we aren't talking about him as a "prospect" anymore. We’re talking about him as a contender.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Bettors
If you’re tracking Raul’s career or looking at his upcoming fight against Font, here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Watch the Takedown Accuracy: In his last fight, his success rate was lower than usual. Font has excellent takedown defense, so watch if Rosas has integrated more chain-wrestling.
- The Age Gap Factor: Font is 38. Rosas is 21. That 17-year age gap is massive in the lower weight classes. Historically, the younger fighter wins these matchups at an overwhelming rate in the UFC.
- Conditioning is Key: Vegas isn't Mexico City, but a high-paced 3-round fight with Font is a cardio nightmare. Pay attention to Rosas’s physique and camp reports leading into March.
- The "Problem Child" Evolution: Look for his head movement. In his last few fights, he’s been a bit too hittable on the way in. If he hasn't cleaned that up, Font’s jab will have a field day.
Raul Rosas Jr. is no longer the 17-year-old kid who just wanted to buy his mom a house. He’s a 21-year-old man who is starting to understand the technical nuances of the sport. His last fight against Vince Morales wasn't his most exciting, but it might have been his most important.
Keep a close eye on the UFC 326 weigh-ins. If Rosas looks composed and makes weight easily, the Font fight could be the moment he officially graduates into the elite tier of the 135-pound division.