UFC’s Youngest Star Raul Rosas Jr. Eyes Retirement at 25 Years Old

Raul Rosas Jr. entered the UFC as the youngest fighter to secure a contract in the promotion’s history. After earning his spot through Dana White’s Contender Series, he showed composure inside the Octagon. Dominant performances established him as a serious competitor rather than a hype-driven prospect. Now, he has weighed in on the age in which he could retire if his goals are achieved.

Rosas Jr. made his UFC debut with a submission win over Jay Perrin at UFC 282. However, doubts emerged about the young contender when he lost his next bout via unanimous decision to Christian Rodriguez. Since that loss, Rosas has remained undefeated and finished two of his next four opponents, with his most recent victory coming via unanimous decision against Vince Morales in March 2025.

Rosas is now set to take on longtime veteran Rob Font, who is ranked #13 in the 135-pound division at UFC 326. The bout is pivotal in helping Rosas break into the top 15 rankings and could define the next stage of his career. At 21, he recently spoke with UFC legend Dominick Cruz about his future plans and retirement timeline, signaling a considered approach to conclude his UFC journey.

If I accomplish all my accomplishments, like by 25, if I am able to already try to challenge for the second belt in the second division and defend it a couple of times and stuff. If I still haven’t done that, then I’m gonna keep going. But if I’ve done what I wanted to do, I don’t wanna keep just fighting. I don’t want to get into it with another hungry guy that wants something that I already have.

Raul Rosas Jr via Love & War with Dominick Cruz

Raul Rosas says he’d retire by 25 if he accomplishes all his goals 👀😲

"If I accomplish all my accomplishments by 25 years of age, like already try to challenge for the second belt and defend it a couple of times, if I still haven’t done that, then I’m gonna keep going. But if… pic.twitter.com/ZiEulC4Uif

— Red Corner MMA (@RedCorner_MMA) February 18, 2026

The Mexican bantamweight has made a name for himself among fans, largely due to his personality outside the Octagon. This popularity helped him earn a spot on the first UFC card held at the Sphere in September 2024. On the undercard of UFC 306, Raul Rosas Jr put on a dominant performance, defeating Aori Qileng and further solidifying his reputation as a skilled fighter and rising star.

Another factor contributing to the 21-year-old contender’s popularity is his belief and ambition. He has stated that he wants to become the first-ever three-division champion in UFC history. Remarkably, he expressed this goal even before his UFC debut, underscoring his confidence in his abilities. This ambition, combined with his skill set, has helped Raul Rosas Jr stand out as a unique talent with long-term aspirations.

Looking at his immediate future is equally important for Raul Rosas Jr He is positioned to become the youngest UFC champion, a feat that carries high expectations given the history of early champions. The current mantle holder, Jon Jones, won his first UFC title at 23, setting a benchmark for young fighters. His trajectory suggests he is carefully planning each step to achieve early success while building a historic career.

Rob Font believes that the Raul Rosas Jr fight is ‘just another day at the office’ for him

Rob Font, now 38, is a longtime UFC bantamweight veteran who has consistently faced top-level competition. He has maintained a presence among ranked fighters for over a decade and built a reputation as a durable competitor. Notable wins include victories over Cody Garbrandt and Pedro Munhoz, showcasing his ability to defeat elite opponents while remaining competitive late in his career.

However, in recent times, Rob Font has secured wins over younger contenders such as Jean Matsumoto and Kyler Phillips, showing he can still compete with rising talent. He suffered a loss in his most recent bout against David Martinez, but remains active in the division. Font is now set to face Raul Rosas Jr. at UFC 326, a fight that highlights his role as a veteran testing one of the sport’s youngest prospects.

I’m definitely getting older. That’s just how this process works, they give you a young buck trying to get you out there. But I’m not leaving anytime soon.

Rob Font via Home Of Fight

😁 38-year-old Rob Font says he is used to getting matched up with young, hungry prospects like Raul Rosas Jr.:

“I’m definitely getting older. That’s just how this process works, they give you a young buck trying to get you out there.

But I’m not leaving anytime soon.”

🎥… pic.twitter.com/hAL72NUyaA

— Home of Fight (@Home_of_Fight) February 4, 2026

Raul Rosas Jr. enters the bout riding a four-fight win streak, building momentum as one of the division’s top rising prospects. Rob Font will be looking to return to the win column and reinforce his role as a seasoned gatekeeper. The matchup is a classic clash of youth and experience, with Rosas aiming to climb the rankings while Font seeks to maintain his relevance in the bantamweight division.

Also Read:

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• Ronda Rousey Throws Sly Jibe to Dana White’s UFC After Making Historic Return Against Gina Carano

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