Raul Rosas Jr. becomes youngest UFC fighter to win debut
UFC 282 features an exciting slate of fights, including the historic bantamweight debut Raul Rosas Jr. in the Octagon on Saturday night.
According to ESPN Stats & Information research, at 18 years and 63 days, Rosas became the youngest fighter to compete in the UFC when he faced Jay Perrin. The previous record was held by Dan Lauzon, who was 18 years and 198 days old at UFC 64 on October 14, 2006.
Rosas won his debut by defeating Perrin by submission in the first round. With the victory, Rosas is the youngest fighter in UFC history to win his first match.
THE HYPE IS REAL!!! RAUL ROSAS JR. DONE IN THE FIRST ROUND!!! #UFC282 pic.twitter.com/fKOmviRL0m
— UFC (@ufc) December 11, 2022
The sports world has taken to Twitter to congratulate the 18-year-old on an impressive start to his UFC career.
I saw this kid at PI on Thursday. He had that champion aura. I am excited about its future! 🙏🏾 #ufc282
— Geoff (handzofsteel) Neal (@handzofsteelmma) December 11, 2022
This kid is the truth
— Terrance ‘T Wrecks’ McKinney (@twrecks155) December 11, 2022
Tf are they feeding this kid lol
— Jamahal Hill (@JamahalH) December 11, 2022
Here’s a look at some of the youngest fighters to compete in UFC history:
Dan Lauzon — 18 years, 198 days at UFC 64 on Oct. 14, 2006
Sage Northcutt – 19 years, 216 days at UFC 192 on Oct. 3, 2015
Chanmi Jeon — 19 years, 286 days at UFC Fight Night on June 10, 2017
Vitor Belfort – 19 years, 312 days at UFC 12 on Feb. 7, 1997
Jacques Matthews — 19 years, 313 days at UFC Fight Night on June 28, 2014
Song Yadong — 19 years, 358 days at UFC Fight Night on Nov. 25, 2017
Naoki Inoue — 20 years, 3 days at UFC Fight Night on June 17, 2017
Larissa Pacheco — 20 years, 6 days at UFC Fight Night on September 13, 2014
Robbie Lawler — 20 years, 51 days at UFC 37 on May 10, 2002
Nick Diaz — 20 years, 55 days at UFC 44 on Sept. 26, 2003
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