“First they said Noche, and then told me LA, and then they were like ok, you want to fight in LA or you want to be the main event? And I was like ‘sh*t, i’ll take the main event’,” Rosas Jr told reporters including Cageside Press on Wednesday.
“It means a lot, but I’m just thankful to God for the opportunity. I can’t wait to keep stacking them up. God willing this is going to be the first of many.”
Rosas Jr. has had his eye on Barcelos for a while, especially after watching him knock off guys like Payton Talbott and Montel Jackson. After seeing those wins, Rosas figured there was a pretty good chance they’d eventually end up across the cage from each other.
“Been watching him for a little bit. When he beat Payton Talbott and he beat Montel Jackson. Those two fights I actually watched and that’s when I knew oh this guy, he’s good. He’s taking out good prospects, good contenders,” he said.
“I knew probably, eventually, we would face each other. He’s a tough opponent.”
Rosas Jr. expects Barcelos to make him work for everything, and that’s exactly what has him excited about this matchup. He believes this is the kind of fight that could bring out parts of his game fans haven’t gotten to see yet.
“I’m excited. I think he’s going to bring some new things out of me that you guys haven’t seen. He’s going to make me work for a lot of things so I’m excited,” he said.
Rosas Jr. isn’t just looking to add another win to his record at UFC Vegas 121. He wants to put Barcelos away, make some noise and remind the bantamweight top 15 that he’s coming for them.
“I have to get a finish. I want to make a statement,” said Rosas Jr.
“I want to reintroduce myself to the top 15, and I think a big finish over somebody like Barcelos is going to definitely put me up there for big fights. He’s on a 5-fight win streak, I’m on a 5-fight win streak, new generation, old generation. He’s got a lot to win and a lot to lose, and I got a lot to win and a lot to lose. I’m expecting a war.”
Watch the entire media day scrum with Raul Rosas Jr above. He headlines UFC Vegas 121 against Raoni Barcelos on Saturday night.