LAS VEGAS – Raul Rosas Jr. beat Aori Qileng with a unanimous decision Saturday to open the preliminary card at UFC 306 at Sphere in Las Vegas.
Take a look inside the fight with Rosas, who had to go the distance for a UFC win for the first time – and said he nearly pulled out of the fight during a tumultuous camp.
Raul Rosas Jr. def. Aori Qileng
Result: Raul Rosas Jr. def. Aori Qileng via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Updated records: Rosas Jr. (10-1 MMA, 4-1 UFC), Qileng (25-12 MMA, 3-4 UFC)
Key stats: Rosas controlled a little more than half the fight, but had to work through a little adversity as about a 10-1 favorite – the biggest betting favorite on the card.
Rosas on the fight’s key moment
“I knew he was going to be tough. A lot of people think it was an easy fight (going in), but they don’t know him. He’s a very skilled opponent, very experienced, 25 wins, 11 losses – that’s a lot of experience, way more than me. I was ready to put three rounds in. I think I was able to show a lot of people how I react in the third round – I’m still strong and powerful as (I am in the) first. I’m glad that I went three rounds just now. I’m able to show the people that I’m able to go three rounds (and win). When I lost, I went three rounds. Now I’m more experienced and more calm in these situations.”
Rosas on his success early in life
“I’m blessed to be where I am right now. I feel full of emotions right now because I’m 19 years old. This is my fifth fight in the UFC. I’m 4-1. I’d like to say four finishes (despite the decision win over Qileng), but either way, it was a good experience. And write it down: I made history being the first fighter to ever get their hand raised inside of the Sphere. On paper, for everything that I have at this age – right now, I’m wearing a whole thing from Dolce & Gabbana that I was able to buy myself. I’m not trying to be cocky or nothing. I’m just trying to say how grateful I am to be where I am, just 19 years old. I’m blessed.”
Rosas on what he wants next
“I do want to get back in there as soon as possible, but first I want to get my injuries solved. So before even taking the next fight, I want to make sure my hand is OK, my foot is OK, my whole body is OK.”
To hear more from Rosas, check out the video of the full post-fight interview above.
For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 306.
