Already the youngest UFC signee and youngest ranked UFC fighter, Rosas becomes the youngest fighter to headline a UFC card on Saturday. Raoni Barcelos, his opponent, knows a thing about beating young studs. Rosas Jr. (13-1) is a phenom.
Rosas signed his UFC contract at 17 and cracked the bantamweight rankings before his 22nd birthday. There was an early setback against Christian Rodriguez between those two milestones, but he got back on track by stacking wins and forcing his way into contention. Saturday's main event is another first, and the moment isn't lost on him.
"I'm ready to die in that cage on Saturday night," Rosas told CBS Sports' Brian Campbell. "No matter what happens, I'm ready to die. I'm pretty sure I could say the same thing about him.
I feel I have a lot to lose, but I have a lot to win, and I feel the same thing about him. If he loses to me, where does he go? And if I lose to him, my dreams of becoming a UFC champion could fade away, so I can't let it fade away that easily." FC numbered event and UFC Fight Night is included with your subscription!
Plans start as low as $8.99/month or $89.99/year! Barcelos (22-5) has taught many young fighters important lessons. The 39-year-old enters Saturday on a five-fight win streak with each victory over a younger opponent.
That includes Payton Talbott, who entered their fight as a massive betting favorite and now co-headlines UFC 332 next week. When most fighters experience decline, Barcelos seems to get better. "I compare to wine," Barcelos said.
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