Raul Rosas Jr. sets out his ideal early UFC retirement plan

Raul Rosas Jr. doesn’t see himself staying in MMA for too much longer.

A big fight is on the horizon for one of the sport’s best young prospects. The 21-year-old faces veteran Raoni Barcelos at UFC Vegas 121 this Saturday, featuring in his first main event for the company. A tough task is ahead, but Rosas Jr. has his sights set on something bigger.

While not looking past his opponent, Raul Rosas Jr. knows a statement win this weekend will put him one step closer to his dream of beating Jon Jones‘ record as the youngest champion in UFC history.

“Yeah, that’s the goal. I think right now, I’m in a good path. Winning this main event, I think, puts me in a very good position to keep chasing that dream… For sure, I’ve got to be ready for short-notice fights. Be willing to take risks, and this Saturday, make a big statement, for sure; not just a win, but I’ve got to make a statement.”

If it goes to plan for Rosas Jr., he will have two or three-weight championship honors and retire in his mid-to-late 20s.

“If by 25 I accomplish everything that I want to accomplish in my career, I’m just going to, you know, step back from the sport,” Rosas Jr. added. “The goal is to get the belt and then defend it a couple times. Try to challenge myself, go up a weight class; maybe two. And after I’m done, like, run out of goals, then that’s when I’m just going to quit. It could be 26, 27, 28. But I’m just saying, whenever I’m done with my goals, that’s when I’m going to step out of the game.”

Rosas Jr. continued.

“I’m trying to stay active, to be honest. God willing, I come out of the cage the same way I step in, with no injuries, and I can stay active. I would like to come back December. One more time before the year ends, and we’ll see what happens.”