18-year-old UFC newcomer Raul Rosas claims he can finish champion Aljamain Sterling, other top 15 bantamweights

Raul Rosas Jr. believes he’s prepared to fight any bantamweight, including UFC champion Aljamain Sterling.

‘El Nino Problema’ has made waves in the MMA community since becoming the youngest fighter in UFC history. He continued to make history by winning his promotional debut against Jay Perrin at UFC 282. During an interview with Ariel Helwani on The MMA Hour, Rosas had this to say about being ready to fight anyone at 135 pounds:

“If they offered me a fight for the UFC belt right now, I can not only go out there and win, but I can also finish whoever has the belt. Right now, it’s Aljamain Sterling, and I’m ready… The reason why I’m fighting so actively, including I just fought on Dana White’s Contender Series not that long ago, but I decided to make my UFC debut already because I’m ready for it all.”

Rosas stayed impressively active in 2022. The 18-year-old secured four finishes with the regional promotional Ultimate Warrior Challenge, including three in the first round. He then won his UFC contract on Dana White’s Contender Series before winning his promotional debut three months later to end the year.

Watch Raul Rosas Jr. on The MMA Hour below:

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Raul Rosas Jr. wouldn’t mind fighting someone in the top 15 next

Raul Rosas Jr. has an obnoxious amount of confidence than can be expected from any 18-year-old. Despite having only seven professional fights, ‘El Nino Problema’ wants to take on a ranked bantamweight next if possible. During the same interview with Ariel Helwani, he had this to say:

“I don’t know any names outside the top 15. I don’t know, but I want high-level competition like I want someone that is going to get me to the top 15 or someone in the top 15 if possible… Oh yes, for sure. I could definitely take a fight with a guy from the top 15, and I can promise I can finish. Not only go out there and win, I’ll go out there and win impressively and make a statement.”

Rosas has won all seven of his professional fights, including six inside the distance. Although Jay Perrin isn’t a highly-touted UFC bantamweight, the 18-year-old showed massive potential by winning in the first round. Only time will tell if ‘El Nino Problema’ can break Jon Jones’ record by becoming the youngest UFC champion in promotional history before turning 23.