Raul Rosas Jr. is an American-Mexican professional MMA fighter in the UFC bantamweight division. He is known as “El Niño Problema,” which means “The Problem Child.” He became the youngest fighter ever signed by the UFC when he earned a contract at age 17 in 2022.
As of September 29, 2026, Rosas is 21 years old and has a professional MMA record of 13–1. He recently won his first UFC main event against Raoni Barcelos.
This is my latest article. Please visit it and read it.
Quick Facts
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Full name | Raúl Gilberto Rosas Rios Jr. |
| Nickname | “El Niño Problema” |
| Born | October 8, 2004 |
| Birthplace | Clovis, New Mexico, United States |
| Age | 21 as of September 29, 2026 |
| Nationality | American and Mexican |
| Division | Bantamweight |
| Professional record | 13–1 |
| Fighting style | Wrestling and grappling |
| Current status | Active UFC bantamweight |
Who Is Raul Rosas Jr.?
Rosas became known at a very young age. He was still a teenager when the UFC signed him. The UFC listed him as an American-Mexican fighter and one of its youngest athletes at the time.
His nickname, “El Niño Problema,” roughly means “The Problem Child.” He gained attention for fighting older and more experienced athletes while still very young.
Rosas fights at 135 pounds. He is listed at 5 feet 9 inches tall and has a 67-inch reach. ESPN lists him as representing Mexico, while the UFC describes him as American-Mexican.
Early Life and Background
Raul Rosas Jr. was born on October 8, 2004, in Clovis, New Mexico. Public sources describe his parents as Mexican immigrants. He first built his fighting skills through wrestling before moving into MMA.
There is limited reliable public information about his childhood, school years, and family life. His parents were involved in his UFC contract because he was still a minor. Rosas also said that his parents had to sign the contract.
Recent fighter listings have connected him with 10th Planet Jiu-Jitsu Las Vegas. Team information can change over time.
How He Became the UFC’s Youngest Signee
Rosas had his major breakthrough on Dana White’s Contender Series in September 2022. He faced Mando Gutierrez and won by unanimous decision. After the fight, UFC president Dana White offered him a UFC contract.
Rosas was 17 when he signed with the UFC. This made him the youngest fighter ever signed by the promotion. He passed the previous record held by Dan Lauzon, who signed at age 18.
Because Rosas was under 18, special arrangements were needed for him to compete. Reports at the time said permission was sought from the Nevada Athletic Commission for him to take part in the UFC audition.
He made his UFC debut against Jay Perrin at UFC 282 in December 2022. At 18, he became the youngest fighter to compete in the UFC.
Career Milestones
Rosas started his professional MMA career in November 2021, according to the UFC. The promotion also lists a 6–0 amateur record and six first-round finishes in his professional career.
His first professional loss came at UFC 287 on April 9, 2023. Christian Rodriguez beat him by unanimous decision after three rounds. This remains Rosas’s only professional loss.
Rosas then went on a winning run. By September 2026, he had won five straight fights since the loss to Rodriguez.
In March 2026, Rosas beat longtime UFC bantamweight Rob Font by unanimous decision at UFC 326 in Las Vegas. All three judges scored the fight 30–27 for Rosas.
His next fight was his first UFC main event. On September 26, 2026, he faced Raoni Barcelos at UFC Vegas 121 in Las Vegas. Rosas won by TKO at 1:38 of the fifth round and improved his record to 13–1.
The win came after Rosas had been behind on the judges’ scorecards. He stopped Barcelos before the fight could reach the final decision.
Fighting Style and UFC Record
Rosas has built his career around wrestling and grappling. The UFC lists six submission wins and two knockout wins, while ESPN lists 13 total wins, including six submissions and three knockouts or technical knockouts. The databases use different ways to classify some finishes.
His wrestling numbers are also a major part of his record. ESPN lists an average of 6.76 takedowns per 15 minutes. CBS Sports lists his takedown accuracy at 32 of 59 attempts.
Rosas has also received UFC performance bonuses. CBS Sports lists three “Performance of the Night” awards. His September 2026 win over Barcelos also earned “Fight of the Night.”
Personal Life
Rosas keeps much of his private life away from the public eye. Reliable information confirms his parents were involved in his early UFC contract, but there is limited public information about his current relationship status, children, or other private family matters.
There is also no reliable public source in the reviewed material that confirms his net worth. Celebrity finance websites may publish estimates, but those figures are not treated as verified financial information.
Monster Energy lists Rosas among its sponsored MMA athletes, showing that he has a commercial partnership outside his fight career.
What Is Raul Rosas Jr. Doing Now?
As of late September 2026, Rosas is an active UFC bantamweight. His win over Barcelos gave him a six-fight winning streak and his first UFC main-event victory.
The victory also moved him into the UFC rankings. FightNews reported that Rosas became the youngest fighter ever to enter the UFC rankings at age 21. CBS Sports listed him at No. 12 in the bantamweight division after the fight.
His next opponent and fight date had not been announced in the sources reviewed for this article. His ranking and recent win have put him among the young bantamweights receiving close attention, but a future title shot had not been confirmed.
How old is Raul Rosas Jr.?
Raul Rosas Jr. is 21 years old as of September 29, 2026. He was born on October 8, 2004.
Where is Raul Rosas Jr. from?
He was born in Clovis, New Mexico, United States. Public profiles describe him as American-Mexican, while ESPN lists him as representing Mexico.
What is Raul Rosas Jr.’s UFC record?
His overall professional MMA record is 13–1 as of September 2026. His only loss came against Christian Rodriguez at UFC 287 in April 2023.
Why is Raul Rosas Jr. famous?
Rosas became famous after becoming the youngest fighter ever signed by the UFC. He earned his contract at age 17 after winning on Dana White’s Contender Series in 2022. He later became the youngest fighter to enter the UFC rankings.
What is Raul Rosas Jr.’s net worth?
No reliable public source reviewed for this article confirms an individual net-worth figure for Rosas. Online estimates are not treated as verified financial information.
What was Raul Rosas Jr.’s latest fight?
His latest fight was against Raoni Barcelos at UFC Vegas 121 on September 26, 2026, in Las Vegas. Rosas won by fifth-round TKO. The victory was his first UFC main event and improved his record to 13–1.
Raul Rosas Jr. Today
Raul Rosas Jr. has already reached several major milestones at a young age. He signed with the UFC at 17, made his UFC debut at 18, recovered from his only professional loss with a five-fight winning run, and won his first UFC main event at 21.
As of September 2026, he has a 13–1 professional record and is ranked in the UFC bantamweight division. His next fight has not been announced in the sources reviewed.
Sources
Raul Rosas Jr. (Bantamweight) MMA Profile
Raul Rosas Jr. Record: 13-1-0
