Raul Rosas Jr. has wild UFC checklist before potential retirement at 25

Raul Rosas Jr., who became the youngest fighter ever signed by the UFC at age 17 in 2022, has outlined an ambitious roadmap for his career before a potential retirement in his mid-20s. The bantamweight prospect, currently riding a five-fight winning streak, returns to action in the main event of UFC Vegas 121 on September 26 against Brazilian veteran Raoni Barcelos at the Meta Apex in Las Vegas.

Rosas Jr. previously stated his intention to hang up his gloves by age 25, though he has since clarified that timeline depends on achieving his stated goals. "If by 25 I've accomplished everything I want, I'm just gonna step back from the sport," he told Full Send MMA. His checklist is extensive: win a UFC title, defend it multiple times, and move up one or two weight classes before stepping away.

"The goal is to get the belt and then defend it a couple of times, try to challenge myself and go up a weight class, maybe two," Rosas Jr. explained. "After I've run out of goals, it could be 26, 27, 28; whenever I'm done with my goals, I'm gonna step out of the game." This approach reflects his pragmatic view of a fighting career, prioritizing personal achievement over longevity and positioning himself for life after competition while still in his prime.