Raúl Rosas Jr., also known as “El Niño Problema,” has been making waves in the UFC’s Bantamweight division. Born on October 8, 2004, in Clovis, New Mexico, this young fighter has already engraved his name in the history books as the youngest competitor to step into the UFC octagon.
Right from the start, his potential was evident. He made his professional debut in November 2021 for the renowned Mexican promotion Ultimate Warrior Challenge Mexico and secured an impressive five consecutive wins.
This remarkable performance caught the attention of the UFC, and he was able to compete in Dana White’s Contender Series. There, Rosas Jr. displayed his skills and rightfully earned a contract with the UFC.
In his highly anticipated UFC debut at UFC 282, Rosas Jr. faced off against Jay Perrin and left an indelible mark by swiftly submitting him with a rear-naked choke in the opening round.
The entire fight lasted less than three minutes, consolidating his reputation as a formidable force in the division.
Given his unbelievable trajectory in the UFC, the burning question on everyone’s minds is: how good is Raúl Rosas Jr.?
Let’s crunch the numbers to find out whether or not the hype is real.
Table of Contents
Raúl Rosas Jr. In-Depth UFC Stats Analysis
Here are some key performance metrics for Raúl Rosas Jr.:
- Total Fights: 9
- Total Wins: 8
- Win Ratio: Approximately 88.89%
- Total Strikes Attempted: 96
- Total Strikes Successful: 43
- Strike Accuracy: 45%
- Total Takedowns Attempted: 24
- Total Takedowns Successful: 2
- Takedown Accuracy: 33%
Raúl Rosas Jr. started his career as a pro in November 2021, accumulating an impressive number of fights within a relatively short timeframe. This is a testament to his unwavering dedication and commitment to the sport.
His track record speaks for itself, with a remarkable win ratio of approximately 88.89%, having emerged victorious in 8 out of his 9 professional bouts.
Breaking down his wins, he has secured two victories via knockout and five via submission. Notably, his arsenal of submission wins includes three Rear Naked Chokes (RNC) and two armbars, showcasing his versatility in both striking and grappling techniques.
Perhaps most striking is the fact that Raúl has achieved six first-round finishes in his career. This speaks volumes about his ability to swiftly overpower or outclass his opponents with impressive technique. Such quick finishes can provide him with a physical advantage in the long run by sparing him from prolonged damage, as well as boosting his confidence.
Prior to turning pro, Raúl maintained a flawless amateur record of 6-0. This undefeated record as an amateur, coupled with his outstanding professional statistics, paints a picture of consistent excellence throughout his journey.
Adding to his accolades is the distinction of being the youngest fighter on the current UFC roster. Despite his youthful age, he has already showcased skills and accomplishments that typically take years to develop. His youth, combined with his current performance metrics, suggests he has a bright and promising future in the UFC.
Undoubtedly, Raúl is someone to keep a close eye on in the years to come.
Raúl Rosas Jr. Intriguing Stats
After crushing the numbers, here are our top five intriguing and somewhat nuanced statistical insights about Raúl Rosas Jr. based on our statistical analysis:
- Wins-Losses-Draws:
- Raúl has a record of 8 wins, 1 loss, and 0 draws.
- He has a win ratio of 88.9%, placing him amongst the top fighters in the division.
- Significant Strikes Landed/Attempted:
- Raúl has landed 43 significant strikes out of 96 attempted.
- His striking volume is moderate compared to other fighters, but he’s shown potency in the strikes he lands.
- Striking Accuracy:
- Raúl has a striking accuracy of 45%, indicating he lands almost half of his significant strike attempts.
- Strikes Landed/Absorbed per Minute:
- Raúl lands 1.28 significant strikes per minute and absorbs 1.52.
- This suggests a balanced striking exchange in his fights.
- Striking Defense:
- With a defense rate of 46%, Raúl avoids almost half of the significant strikes thrown at him. This is an area with potential for improvement.
- Knockdown Average:
- Raúl has a knockdown average of 0.45, indicating he can deliver impactful strikes capable of knocking down opponents.
- Takedown Accuracy:
- Raúl’s takedown accuracy stands at 33%, meaning he successfully executes one-third of his takedown attempts.
- Takedowns Landed:
- He has landed 2 takedowns in his UFC career.
- Takedown/Submission Average per 15 Minutes:
- Raúl averages 3.57 takedowns and 1.78 submissions per 15 minutes. This suggests a high activity rate in grappling exchanges.
- Average Fight Time:
- Raúl’s fights, on average, last about 8.42 minutes, suggesting that his bouts often don’t go the distance.
Raúl Rosas Jr. vs. Other Top-Ranked Bantamweights
striking accuracy
The bar chart above visualizes the striking accuracy of Raúl Rosas Jr. compared to other top fighters in his weight class.
Observations
- Raúl Rosas Jr. has a striking accuracy of 45%, which places him roughly in the middle of the pack among the top-ranked fighters in the division.
- Sean O’Malley leads the group with a striking accuracy of 57%, followed closely by fighters like Petr Yan and Marlon Vera.
- On the other end of the spectrum, fighters like Merab Dvalishvili and Dominick Cruz have lower striking accuracies.
- Raúl’s striking accuracy is marginally below the likes of Henry Cejudo and Pedro Munhoz but is better than that of the legend Dominick Cruz.
Although Raúl Rosas Jr. shows decent striking accuracy, there is potential for improvement if he aims to surpass the elite strikers in his division.
Fine-tuning this aspect of his game could provide him with a competitive advantage in striking exchanges, enabling him to land more impactful shots on his opponents.
Considering his position in the early stages of his UFC career, this showcases a promising start. With continued development and refinement of his striking skills, Raúl has the potential to become an even more formidable force in the ring.
Significant Strikes Landed/Attempted
The bar chart presented above visualizes the total count of significant strikes landed by Raúl Rosas Jr. in comparison to the top of the food chain in his weight class.
Observations:
- Raúl Rosas Jr. has landed a total of 43 significant strikes in the UFC. Considering his young career, this is a respectable number.
- Fighters like Dominick Cruz, Pedro Munhoz, and Rob Font have landed significantly more strikes, indicating their longer tenure and high activity in the UFC.
- Raúl’s count is lower than most fighters on the list, but it’s essential to consider his relatively recent entry into the promotion.
The number of strikes landed by Rosas Jr. emphasizes his promising career trajectory in the UFC. As he continues to accumulate more fights, we can anticipate this number to increase. It’s crucial to note the significance of his efficiency: although his total strikes landed may be lower compared to more seasoned fighters, his accuracy, as highlighted in previous metrics, indicates that he is making the most out of his attempts. This combination of accuracy and volume bodes well for his future bouts, especially as he faces more experienced opponents and make his way up to the top of the ranks.
Strikes Landed per Minute.
The bar chart above illustrates the average number of strikes landed per minute by each fighter, with Raúl Rosas Jr.’s performance highlighted in red.
Observations:
- Raúl Rosas Jr. lands an average of 1.28 significant strikes per minute. This is on the lower side compared to most of the fighters in the dataset.
- Sean O’Malley, Cory Sandhagen, and Petr Yan are among the top performers in this metric, indicating their aggressive striking style.
- While fighters like Rob Font and Marlon Vera also exhibit high strike rates, Dominick Cruz and Merab Dvalishvili have rates that are closer to Raúl’s.
:
While Rosas Jr.’s striking rate may appear lower compared to other fighters on the chart, it is important to note that this does not necessarily imply a lack of skill.
There could be various factors at play, including his fighting style, where he prioritizes precision over volume in his strikes. Additionally, his fight strategies in previous bouts, such as grappling exchanges or facing opponents with strong takedown threats, may have limited the time spent in striking exchanges.
It’s essential to consider that as Rosas Jr. accumulates more fights and gains experience, his striking volume may evolve and adapt to different opponents and situations.
Strikes Absorbed per Minute
This metric provides us insight into a fighter’s defensive capabilities. A lower rate of strikes absorbed per minute can suggest good defensive skills and the ability to avoid damage.
Observations
- Raúl Rosas Jr. absorbs an average of 1.52 significant strikes per minute. This places him towards the middle when compared to other fighters in the dataset.
- Fighters like Aljamain Sterling and Merab Dvalishvili show a low absorption rate, indicating their strong defensive capabilities.
- On the other end, fighters like Pedro Munhoz and Marlon Vera absorb a higher number of strikes per minute.
- Raúl’s absorption rate is relatively close to fighters like Rob Font and Petr Yan.
The rate at which Raúl Rosas Jr. absorbs strikes highlights his balanced fighting approach, demonstrating neither excessive defensiveness nor overwhelming aggression. This showcases his ability to engage while remaining mindful of his defensive capabilities. As he continues to advance in his career, honing his defensive skills becomes paramount.
This adjustment will aid him in minimizing the damage sustained during fights, ultimately contributing to his longevity in the sport.
Striking Defense
Striking defense is represented as a percentage and indicates how well a fighter avoids getting hit by significant strikes. A higher percentage means better defensive abilities.
The bar chart above visualizes the striking defense percentages of each fighter, with Raúl Rosas Jr.’s performance highlighted in red.
Observations:
- Raúl Rosas Jr. has a striking defense of 46%. This places him slightly below the mid-range among the top fighters in the division.
- Dominick Cruz leads the group with a striking defense of 71%, showcasing his elusive fighting style and ability to avoid getting hit.
- At the lower end, Merab Dvalishvili and Song Yadong have striking defenses of 37% and 42%, respectively.
- Raúl’s striking defense is comparable to fighters like Rob Font and Marlon Vera.
Raúl Rosas Jr.’s striking defense tells us that while he has the ability to avoid a good portion of his opponents’ strikes, there’s potential for improvement.
Enhancing his striking defense could be pivotal in minimizing damage in future fights, especially against high-volume strikers.
The fact that his defense is on par with some of the more experienced fighters in the division is promising. With the right adjustments and training, Raúl can certainly elevate his defensive game.
Knockdown Average
This represents the average number of times a fighter knocks down an opponent in their fight. A higher number suggests that the fighter possesses significant striking power.
Here, you find the knockdown average of each fighter, with Raúl Rosas Jr.’s performance emphasized in red.
Observations:
- Raúl Rosas Jr. has a knockdown average of 0.45. This means that, on average, he knocks down his opponent nearly half a time in each fight.
- Sean O’Malley stands out with a knockdown average of 1.65, indicating he is a dangerous striker in the division.
- Raúl’s knockdown average is comparable to fighters like Henry Cejudo and Marlon Vera.
El niño problema has a competitive knockdown average. This showcases his ability to deliver impactful strikes that can destabilize his opponents.
While he might not have the highest knockdown rate in the division, his average suggests he has the power to change the course of a fight with his striking. As he continues to hone his skills and gain experience, we can expect to see this metric evolve, especially if he focuses on improving his striking technique and power.
Takedown Accuracy
Takedown accuracy represents the percentage of takedowns a fighter successfully executes out of those attempted. A higher percentage indicates proficiency in taking the fight to the ground.
The bar chart above represents the takedown accuracy percentages of each fighter, with Raúl Rosas Jr.’s performance highlighted in red.
Observations:
- Raúl Rosas Jr. possesses a takedown accuracy of 33%. This suggests that one-third of his takedown attempts are successful.
- Fighters like Song Yadong and Sean O’Malley lead the group with 56% and 50% takedown accuracies, respectively.
- At the lower end, fighters like Pedro Munhoz have a takedown accuracy of 19%, which might indicate challenges in taking opponents down or a preference for striking.
- Raúl’s takedown accuracy is comparable to fighters like Dominick Cruz and Rob Font.
This metric reflects his evolving skillset and willingness to engage in grappling exchanges. Improving this aspect of his game could provide him with a more versatile approach in fights, allowing him to dictate where the fight takes place—be it on the feet or on the mat.
Takedowns Landed/Attempted
The bar chart above provides a comparison of the total number of takedowns landed by each fighter, with Raúl Rosas Jr.’s performance emphasized in red.
Observations:
- Raúl Rosas Jr. has successfully executed 2 takedowns in the UFC.
- Merab Dvalishvili stands out with an impressive 87 takedowns landed, showcasing his grappling dominance.
- Raúl’s takedown count is on the lower side compared to many fighters in the list, but it’s in line with his relatively young UFC career.
As Raúl gains more experience in the UFC and faces a diverse range of opponents, his grappling statistics are likely to evolve. The key will be in seamlessly merging his striking and grappling, allowing him to exploit openings regardless of where the fight unfolds.
Takedown/Submission Average per 15 Minutes
The bar chart above presents each fighter’s takedown average per 15 minutes, with Raúl Rosas Jr.’s performance accentuated in red.
Observations:
- Raúl Rosas Jr. has a takedown average of 3.57 per 15 minutes. This means that in a standard three-round fight, he averages over 3 takedowns.
- Merab Dvalishvili leads the pack with an astounding 7.15 takedowns per 15 minutes, reflecting his relentless grappling approach.
- Raúl’s takedown average is notably high, especially compared to many other fighters.
Raúl Rosas Jr.’s high takedown average is an interesting aspect of his fighting style. It demonstrates that he actively seeks to take his opponents down, possibly combining his striking to set up takedowns.
Raúl’s willingness to mix things up between striking and grappling can be a significant advantage as he faces diverse opponents in the UFC.
Average Fight Time
The average fight time provides insight into the typical duration of a fighter’s bouts. A shorter average might suggest that a fighter finishes their opponents quickly, while a longer average could indicate that the fighter often goes the distance in their matches.
The bar chart above illustrates each fighter’s average fight time in minutes, with Raúl Rosas Jr.’s performance highlighted in red.
Observations:
- Raúl Rosas Jr. has an average fight time of approximately 8.42 minutes. This suggests that his fights tend to end before reaching the third round.
- Fighters like Petr Yan and Dominick Cruz have longer average fight times, indicating that they often go the distance or simply have more fights in championship rounds.
- On the other end, fighters like Raúl and Sean O’Malley have shorter average fight times, which could suggest quick finishes or stoppages.
- Raúl’s average fight time is one of the shortest among the fighters listed. However, his UFC career is still in the early stages.
The shorter average fight time for Raúl Rosas Jr. suggests that he’s a formidable force early in fights.
This can play to his advantage, as future opponents might be wary of his early aggression, allowing him to dictate the pace of the fight.
On the other hand, the rest of the fighters in the analysis faced better competition, and Raúl is still building his way up in the rankings.
Strengths and weaknesses of Raúl Rosas Jr.
Strengths
- Striking Power: With a knockdown average of 0.45, Raúl has demonstrated that he can deliver impactful strikes capable of putting opponents on the canvas. His ability to change the course of a fight with his striking is a notable strength.
- Takedown Activity: Boasting a takedown average of 3.57 per 15 minutes, Raúl actively seeks to bring the fight to the ground. This balanced approach allows him to keep opponents guessing and can mess with their rhythm.
- Finishing Ability: A shorter average fight time (approximately 8.42 minutes) suggests that Raúl tends to finish fights early. Whether through striking or submissions, his ability to close out contests before they go the distance is a testament to his finishing skills.
- Striking Volume: His significant strikes landed per minute rate (1.28) indicates a willingness to engage and trade with opponents, which can be an advantage in the judge’s eyes in closely contested bouts.
Weaknesses
- Striking Defense: With a striking defense of 46%, Raúl is susceptible to being hit almost half of the time his opponents throw at him. This could be a concern, especially when facing high-volume or powerful strikers.
- Takedown Accuracy: A takedown accuracy of 33% means Raúl is successful in only one-third of his takedown attempts. While his takedown intent is commendable, the efficiency could be improved to ensure energy is not wasted on failed attempts.
- Absorption Rate: Absorbing an average of 1.52 significant strikes per minute places him towards the middle of the pack. While not the highest, this rate suggests that Raúl does take a fair amount of damage in his fights. Improving his defensive maneuvers might be beneficial for his longevity in the sport.
Raúl Rosas Jr. UFC Data Analysis Methodology
1. Data Collection:
The dataset was provided in the form of a CSV file, sourced from official UFC statistics. This dataset provides a comprehensive overview of various attributes and performance metrics for selected fighters in the UFC Bantamweight division.
2. Data Filtering:
Upon loading the dataset, we began with an initial examination to understand the structure and nature of the data. This involved checking for missing values, understanding the different types of metrics available, and ensuring the data’s integrity.
3. Metrics Calculation:
Several key performance metrics were derived from the dataset, such as:
- Win Ratio: Calculated as the ratio of total wins to total fights.
- Strike Accuracy: Represented as the percentage of significant strikes landed out of those attempted.
- Takedown Accuracy: Given as the percentage of successful takedowns out of the total attempted.
4. Comparative Analysis:
Our primary subject of interest was Raúl Rosas Jr. We compared his metrics against other top fighters in his weight class. This allowed us to understand where Raúl stands in various performance areas: offensive capabilities like striking and takedowns or defensive metrics like striking defense.
5. Visualization:
Visual aids were extensively employed to provide a clearer perspective on the data. Bar charts were predominantly used, showcasing individual metrics of Raúl Rosas Jr. compared to other top fighters. This graphical representation facilitated a more intuitive understanding of the numerical differences and patterns.
Limitations or Considerations:
- Contextual Information: While the dataset provides numerical metrics, it lacks contextual information. For instance, a high striking rate might be impressive, but understanding against whom those strikes were made (i.e., the caliber of the opponent) is also crucial.
- Missing Metrics: Some potentially insightful metrics, like ground control time or clinch time, were not present in the dataset. These could offer a more rounded view of a fighter’s capabilities.
- Relative Experience: The dataset does not weigh in the relative experience of the fighters. A veteran fighter might have more losses simply because they’ve had more fights, not necessarily because they’re not skilled.
- Data Granularity: The dataset provides aggregate metrics. More detailed, round-by-round or fight-by-fight data might provide deeper insights into a fighter’s performance under different circumstances or against different types of opponents.
In summary, while the dataset we used offers a comprehensive view of the fighters’ performance metrics, a holistic understanding of a fighter’s capabilities would benefit from more detailed data and contextual information.
Conclusion: How Good is Raúl Rosas Jr. Really Really?
Raúl Rosas Jr. has proven to be a multifaceted talent in the UFC’s Bantamweight division. Based on our data-driven analysis, several key findings and achievements underline his prominence:
- Versatile Finisher: One of Raúl’s standout traits is his balanced finishing approach. He has the capability to end fights both on his feet, with powerful striking, and on the ground, with his submission skills. This makes him unpredictable and a threat in multiple facets of MMA combat.
- Grappling Persistence: Despite not having the highest takedown accuracy, Raúl’s consistent attempts to bring the fight to the mat demonstrate his confidence in his grappling. His takedown average per 15 minutes underscores an active grappling game, which can keep opponents on their toes.
- Finishing Flair: Raúl’s relatively shorter average fight time suggests that he doesn’t often leave his fate to the judges. His ability to close out contests before they go the distance, whether through striking or submissions, speaks to his finishing prowess.
- Striking Potential: With a striking accuracy of 45% and a notable knockdown average, Raúl has showcased that when he connects, it matters. His strikes carry potency, making him dangerous whenever he’s on the offensive.
- Areas for Growth: Like all fighters, Raúl has areas where refinement could bolster his game. His striking defense presents an opportunity for improvement. Enhancing this aspect could ensure longevity in the sport and better outcomes against high-caliber strikers.
Verdict:
Based on the data, Raúl Rosas Jr. emerges as a prominent talent in the UFC Bantamweight division.
He possesses a well-rounded skill set, with strengths in both striking and grappling. While there are areas where further refinement can bolster his game, his current achievements and metrics make him a notable fighter in the UFC.
As he continues to face diverse challenges and gain experience, there’s a strong potential for Raúl to further solidify his standing as one of the division’s top contenders.
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