Raul Rosas Jr. becomes youngest UFC fighter to win in their debut

UFC 282 features an exciting slate of fights, including bantamweight Raul Rosas Jr.‘s historic debut in the Octagon Saturday night.

According to ESPN Stats & Information research, at 18 years and 63 days old, Rosas became the youngest fighter to compete in the UFC when he faced Jay Perrin. The previous record was held by Dan Lauzon, who was 18 years and 198 days old at UFC 64 on Oct. 14, 2006.

Rosas won his debut, defeating Perrin via submission in the first round. With the victory, Rosas is the youngest fighter in UFC history to win his debut match.

THE HYPE IS REAL!!! RAUL ROSAS JR. GETS IT DONE IN THE FIRST ROUND!!! #UFC282 pic.twitter.com/fKOmviRL0m

— UFC (@ufc) December 11, 2022

The sports world flocked to Twitter to congratulate the 18-year-old on an impressive start to his UFC career.

Seen this kid at the PI on Thursday. He had that champ aura. I’m excited about his future! 🙏🏾 #ufc282

— Geoff (handzofsteel) Neal (@handzofsteelmma) December 11, 2022

This kid is the truth

— Terrance ‘T Wrecks’ McKinney (@twrecks155) December 11, 2022

Tf are they feeding this kid lol

— Jamahal Hill (@JamahalH) December 11, 2022

Here’s a look at some of the youngest fighters to compete in UFC history:

• Dan Lauzon — 18 years, 198 days at UFC 64 on Oct. 14, 2006

• Sage Northcutt — 19 years, 216 days at UFC 192 on Oct. 3, 2015

• Chanmi Jeon — 19 years, 286 days at UFC Fight Night on June 10, 2017

• Vitor Belfort — 19 years, 312 days at UFC 12 on Feb. 7, 1997

• Jake Matthews — 19 years, 313 days at UFC Fight Night on June 28, 2014

• Song Yadong — 19 years, 358 days at UFC Fight Night on Nov. 25, 2017

• Naoki Inoue — 20 years, 3 days at UFC Fight Night on June 17, 2017

• Larissa Pacheco — 20 years, 6 days at UFC Fight Night on Sept. 13, 2014

• Robbie Lawler — 20 years, 51 days at UFC 37 on May 10, 2002

• Nick Diaz — 20 years, 55 days at UFC 44 on Sept. 26, 2003