Raul Rosas Jr. asks UFC to give him a ranked opponent: “I’m ready”

Raul Rosas Jr. thinks it’s time to take a big step in his fighting career.

Although he’s only 19, making him the youngest fighter in the UFC, Rosas (10-1 MMA, 4-1 UFC) wants to compete against the elite in his division. That’s why he’s asking the UFC to give him a ranked bantamweight for his next outing.

“What characterizes me is that I like challenges,” Rosas told MMA Junkie in Spanish. “I want a challenge. I want to test myself, and now I feel very comfortable in the cage, and I feel more and more comfortable every time I enter it. I feel comfortable facing an opponent in the top 15.”

“Personally, I know I’m ready. But even if I’m not, I’ll find a way to be ready for that date and that opponent. If I’m ready, which I think I am, I can be even more ready, to do more than just win, but finish and impress everybody, but more importantly, the UFC so they can continue to give me fights for the belt. That’s why I asked for someone ranked. Regardless, if I don’t have someone in the rankings, I want someone who gives me a ranked opponent.”

Rosas is coming off a unanimous decision victory over Aori Qileng (25-12 MMA, 3-4 UFC) at UFC 306 earlier this month. The win gave the Mexican-American a three-fight winning streak.

Rosas doesn’t care too much about specific names. He just wants someone with a number next to their name.

“Against anybody, really, I just want the opportunity,” Rosas said. “There’s no particular fight right now. All I want is the title. I want the title, so whatever fight gets me closer, that’s the one I want.”