Raul Rosas Jr., 17, has signed a contract with DWCS

A lot more history is about to be made by Raul Rosas Jr.

Despite his young age, Rosas Jr. (5-0) signed a deal with the UFC on Monday to face fellow bantamweight contender Mando Gutierrez (7-1) on Dana White’s Contender Series on September 20. Rosas Jr. would break Chase Hooper’s record of becoming the youngest fighter in UFC history if he were to sign with the organization. Hooper was 19 at the time.

On Tuesday, a source close to the booking leaked the fight to the media, albeit they requested anonymity because the promotion hadn’t made an official announcement.

Fighters in Nevada must be between the ages of 18 and 38 to qualify for a license. Notwithstanding, NAC 467.017 provides that individuals under the age requirement may be issued permits with the permission of the commission in exceptional circumstances.

Law states, “If an applicant for a license to engage in unarmed combat or an unarmed combatant has… not reached 18 years of age… the applicant or unarmed combatant must have his or her application for a license or for renewal of a license reviewed by the Commission or, if time does not permit and no concerns about the application have been raised by the Executive Director or any Commissioner, reviewed by the Chair or the Chair’s designee, so that his or her qualifications may be considered before the license is issued or renewed.”

Rosas Jr. submitted his license application to the Nevada Athletic Commission along with signed parental permission and letters of support from MMA community members (NAC). Raul Rosas Sr. has had a major influence on his son, Rosas Jr.

So far, Rosas Jr.’s only Ultimate Warrior Challenge appearances have been in Mexico (UWC). Rosas Jr. has won all five of his professional fights by knockout, with four of those victories coming in the first frame. Even his opponent, Gutierrez, is impressive. With only one defeat against Mo Miller in September 2020, has been unbeatable, winning six of seven bouts.