The first-ever 17-year old signed to the UFC, now 20, Raul Rosas Jr. returned at UFC Mexico City, fighting at in front of Mexican fans for the first time in years when he took on Vince Morales.
The bantamweight fight was a huge part of Saturday’s main card at the Arena CDMX, with fans booing and jeering Morales as he walked out and roaring in approval for Rosas Jr.’s arrival.
The start of the fight was very much a Raul Rosas Jr. start, as he came out strong and landed a big takedown early, slamming Morales to the canvas. Rosas punching his way in, setting up the takedown with his striking, showed a more polished blend of techniques than the youngster had demonstrated previously.
On the ground, Rosas was methodical, eventually taking the back, and staying all over Morales. Try as he might, Morales could not escape out or power back to his feet. However at the end of the round, Morales was able to reverse, briefly getting on top. A late submission attempt by Morales was the bulk of the offense he was able to show in a round that quite clearly went to Rosas Jr.
Rosas Jr had the fight back down in the top half of round two, again controlling Morales from the back. Once again showing considerable patience, he worked doggedly to improve position. When he did attempt to mount the back, Raul was a little too high up, but adjusted, sliding back down while maintaining the position, clamping down on Morales’ left leg.
At the end of 10 minutes, it was almost certainly 20-18 in favor of Raul Rosas Jr., leaving Vince Morales in need of a finish.
Early in the third, the fight went to the ground again, but this time, Vince Morales was able to lock up an Anaconda choke. The choke got tighter, and Rosas looked to be in real trouble. Perhaps seconds away from catastrophe, he found just enough space to move, with Morales unable to hold onto the choke. Freed, Rosas went back to work, though Morales would show a little more creativity off his back in the third, rolling into a leg lock attempt. Still, short of a finish, the fight was out of reach for Morales.
Raul Rosas Jr., however, gave Morales one more opening for a Peruvian necktie. Morales had it in, and Rosas was stuck. Not stuck was the clock, however, and Rosas knew it. Time ran out, and Rosas Jr. stood up and celebrated what would almost certainly be a decision win for him.
Official Result: Raul Rosas Jr. def. Vince Morales by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
