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Raul Rosas Jr., the up-and-coming fighter in the world of mixed martial arts (MMA), has been making waves recently with his impressive performances in the octagon. But with fame comes the inevitable backlash, and Rosas Jr. has been dealing with a fair share of haters and jealous fighters who criticize his style and belittle his achievements.
Rosas reacted to objections he'd received regarding acquiring this kind of prominent chance by the UFC whereas ranked fighters as well as veterans with a great deal of fighting experience aren't granted the identical scrutiny ahead of his fight with Christian Rodriguez at UFC 287, that opens the pay-per-view main card.
However, instead of taking the criticism to heart, Rosas Jr. has chosen to use it as motivation to continue his ascent in the MMA world. In a recent interview, he addressed his critics head-on, saying:
“I don’t know who said that, but at the end of the day, they’re all just hating,” Rosas said. “They should take some notes if they want to be on the pay-per-view card. They should take some notes and learn some stuff from me. I already got in the UFC and I’m already on the pay-per-view, not like other regular fighters that are prelim fighters. I don’t want to say names, but yeah.”
Even though Raul Rosas Jr. is only 18 years old and has only competed once in the UFC, he still talks trash comparable to an accomplished fighter. If there were a manual for developing a superstar, the UFC's roster would be full of competitors who regularly draw large audiences for pay-per-view events.
Rosas received a great deal of media coverage because of his youth after his victory during the UFC's Contender Series and his triumphant octagon premiere three months later, but he doesn't think chance or coincidence had anything to do with the path he's taken to this point.
Rosas is aware that, whether anyone wants to admit it or not, he pushed tirelessly to reach where he currently is:
“I didn’t [expect it to happen this quickly], but I’m not surprised,” Rosas said. “Like I said, this spot on the pay-per-view wasn’t given, it was earned. I earned it through all my hard work and just everything I do.
“I think I’m a pay-per-view fighter and I’m a perfect fighter to open up this pay-per-view card, because not only am I fighter, I’m a showman, a performer, and I’m going to go out there and put on a show and get the people turned up for the rest of the card.”
Of course, not everyone appreciates his approach. Some fans and fellow fighters have criticized him for being too outspoken or not respectful enough of his opponents. But Rosas Jr. is quick to point out that he is not trying to be a people pleaser. He is simply being true to himself and his values.