Raul Rosas Jr. refuses to underestimate Raoni Barcelos
The 21-year-old prospect believes the Brazilian's experience makes him one of the toughest tests of his career.
Raul Rosas Jr. has no interest in overlooking Raoni Barcelos because of the age difference between them. The young prospect will headline UFC Vegas 121 against the 39-year-old Brazilian on Saturday and believes Barcelos' experience is far more important than the number on his birth certificate. Rather than seeing an aging veteran, Rosas Jr. views Barcelos as one of the division's most dangerous contenders after his recent five-fight winning streak.
Raul Rosas Jr. Praises Raoni Barcelos' Experience
The matchup will feature two fighters in distinct moments of their careers. While Rosas Jr. is a young prospect climbing the division, Barcelos is a veteran who made his UFC debut when Rosas Jr. was still a teenager. Despite the age gap between them, Rosas Jr. believes the Brazilian's experience makes him a dangerous foe.
"I don't see an old guy," Rosas Jr. said during Wednesday's media day. "I see an experienced fighter. 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.'"
Raul Rosas Jr. Expects Tough Test
The rising bantamweight also revealed that he has been following Barcelos for months. Rosas Jr. pointed to the Brazilian's victories over Payton Talbott and Montel Jackson as performances that convinced him he would eventually share the Octagon with the veteran.
"I watched him live when he beat Payton Talbott, and he beat Montel Jackson," Rosas Jr. said. "That's when I knew this guy was good. He's taking on good prospects, good contenders. I think 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."
Rosas Jr. enters the matchup riding a five-fight winning streak and looking to continue his momentum against Barcelos.
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