LAS VEGAS – Raul Rosas Jr. beat Aori Qileng with a unanimous determination Saturday to open the preliminary card at UFC 306 at Sphere in Las Vegas.
Have a look contained in the battle with Rosas, who needed to go the space for a UFC win for the primary time – and stated he practically pulled out of the battle throughout a tumultuous camp.
Raul Rosas Jr. def. Aori Qileng
Sep 14, 2024; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Raul Rosas Jr. of Mexico (purple gloves) fights Aoriqileng of China (blue gloves) throughout Riyadh Season Noche UFC 306 at The Sphere. Obligatory Credit score: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Photographs
Outcome: Raul Rosas Jr. def. Aori Qileng by way of unanimous determination (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Up to date information: Rosas Jr. (10-1 MMA, 4-1 UFC), Qileng (25-12 MMA, 3-4 UFC)
Key stats: Rosas managed just a little greater than half the battle, however needed to work by means of just a little adversity as a few 10-1 favourite – the largest betting favourite on the cardboard.
Rosas on the battle’s key second
“I knew he was going to be robust. Lots of people suppose it was a simple battle (entering into), however they don’t know him. He’s a really expert opponent, very skilled, 25 wins, 11 losses – that’s a whole lot of expertise, far more than me. I used to be able to put three rounds in. I feel I used to be in a position to present lots of people how I react within the third spherical – I’m nonetheless sturdy and highly effective as (I’m within the) first. I’m glad that I went three rounds simply now. I’m in a position to present the folks that I’m in a position to go three rounds (and win). Once I misplaced, I went three rounds. Now I’m extra skilled and extra calm in these conditions.”
Rosas on his success early in life
Raul Rosas Jr.
“I’m blessed to be the place I’m proper now. I really feel filled with feelings proper now as a result of I’m 19 years previous. That is my fifth battle within the UFC. I’m 4-1. I’d wish to say 4 finishes (regardless of the choice win over Qileng), however both means, it was a superb expertise. And write it down: I made historical past being the primary fighter to ever get their hand raised within the Sphere. On paper, for every thing that I’ve at this age – proper now, I’m carrying an entire factor from Dolce & Gabbana that I used to be in a position to purchase myself. I’m not attempting to be cocky or nothing. I’m simply attempting to say how grateful I’m to be the place I’m, simply 19 years previous. I’m blessed.”
Rosas on what he desires subsequent
“I do wish to get again in there as quickly as attainable, however first I wish to get my accidents solved. So earlier than even taking the following battle, I wish to be certain my hand is OK, my foot is OK, my complete physique is OK.”
To listen to extra from Rosas, take a look at the video of the complete post-fight interview above.
For extra on the cardboard, go to MMA Junkie’s occasion hub for UFC 306.
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