LAS VEGAS – Raul Rosas Jr. is not taking Raoni Barcelos lightly at all.
This Saturday, Rosas Jr. (12-1 MMA, 6-1 UFC) takes on Barcelos (22-5 MMA, 11-4 UFC) in the main event of UFC Fight Night 289 (Paramount+), a bout that showcases one of the biggest age gaps in UFC history. The age gap is a stark 18 years: Rosas Jr. was born in 2004, and Barcelos in 1987. In a physically demanding sport like MMA, many might dismiss Barcelos chances, but that's a trap Rosas Jr. doesn't want to fall into.
"I don't see an old guy. I see an experienced fighter," Rosas Jr. told MMA Junkie at the UFC Fight Night 289 media day. "He's very mature. I think he adjusted right because he's on a five-fight winning streak with good names. I think we're in the same position.
I think on the other side they look at me like, 'Oh, he's 21. He's too young.' I think that could be a problem, and I'm not making the same mistake being like, 'Oh, he's too old.'"
Rosas Jr. has had Barcelos on his radar for quite some time. He's been impressed with the five-fight winning streak Barcelos has put together in the last couple of years, beating respected names such as Payton Talbott, Montel Jackson, and Cody Garbrandt.
Rosas Jr. felt it was just a matter of time before they crossed paths.
"I've already been watching him for a little bit because I watched him live when he beat Payton Talbott, and he beat Montel Jackson," Rosas Jr. said. "Those two fights I actually watched, and that's when I knew this guy was good. He's taking on good prospects, good contenders. I knew probably we would end up facing each other. I think he's he's a tough opponent, and I'm excited. I think he's going to bring some new things out of me that you guys haven't seen because he's going to make me work for a lot of things, so I'm excited."
Apart from being in an important divisional bout at 135 pounds, this event also marks the first time Rosas Jr. headlined a UFC card.
"It means a lot, to be honest," Rosas Jr. said. "I'm just thankful to God for the opportunity, and I can't wait to keep stacking them up because, God willing, this is going to be the first of many."
This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: Raul Rosas Jr. not taking Raoni Barcelos lightly due to huge age gap
