Raul Rosas Jr. still has the same big goals he had when he entered the UFC.
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Islam Makhachev dismisses Joe Rogan's retirement idea ahead of UFC 330: "We're still going"
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Zuffa LLCIslam Makhachev has no plans of walking away from pro MMA competition at the conclusion of UFC 330.
Many argue that Makhachev has nothing left to prove having captured UFC gold in two weight classes and not suffering a loss since 2015. For the most part, the two-division UFC titleholder has looked dominant. Even when he was tested against fellow future UFC Hall of Famer Alexander Volkanovski, Makhachev delivered a definitive knockout win in the rematch.
Now that he's the welterweight ruler in search of his first successful title defense, it's got people talking about how much longer Makhachev will compete. Beloved UFC color commentator Joe Rogan recently said he wouldn't be surprised if the 170-pound king hangs up his gloves if he defeats Ian Machado Garry on Saturday in Philadelphia.
Fans of Makhachev can breathe a little easier after the pound-for-pound great told TMZ Sports that he isn't going anywhere for the time being (h/t Bloody Elbow).
“No, no, no. I told you I like to be UFC champion and we're still going,†Makhachev said. “It's not about numbers, about age. It's about your health, how you feel. Not everybody can feel the same at 34. That's why I feel great. No injuries. I still enjoy the sports, you know. That's why we will fight again. You will see me many more times.â€
Oftentimes, Makhachev and MMA legend Khabib Nurmagomedov will get compared given the two are childhood friends and have trained together for years. Nurmagomedov retired with a perfect 29-0 record, but many felt he still had plenty of fight left in him. It appears Makhachev will be taking a bit of a different path and is looking to keep fighting for as long as his body holds up.
Is it a good idea for Islam Makhachev to continue fighting beyond UFC 330, or do you think he should consider walking away sooner rather than later? Sound off in the comments below.
This article appeared first on BJPENN.COM
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On Saturday, Rosas steps into the octagon for the eighth when he takes on Raoni Barcelos in the main event of UFC Vegas 121. It's Rosas' first UFC main event, and still only 21 years old, he believes a big win on Saturday keeps him on the right track toward making history by becoming the youngest UFC champion ever.
“Yeah, that's the goal,†Rosas told Full Send MMA. “I think right now I'm on a good path. Winning this main event, I think, puts my in a very good position to keep chasing that dream.â€
Even if Rosas does score a big win on Saturday, he's still in a race against time. “El Niño Problema†turns 22 in a couple of weeks, and Jon Jones currently holds the record for youngest UFC champion, winning the light heavyweight title at 23 years and 243 days. That gives Rosas under two years to work his way up the stacked bantamweight ladder, something he realizes is no easy feat.
“I've got to be ready for short notice fights, be willing to take risks, and this Saturday, make a big statement for sure,†Rosas said. “Not just a win, but I've got to make a statement.â€
But even if Rosas achieves his dreams and breaks Jones' record, don't expect a long title reign. Because Rosas doesn't just want to rush his way to a title, he also wants to get out of the sport quickly, too.
“Yeah, if by 25 I accomplish everything that I want to accomplish in my career, I'm just going to step back from the sport,†Rosas said. “The goal is to get the belt and then defend it a couple of times, try to challenge myself, go up a weight class, maybe two, and after I'm done, like, I run out of goals, that's when I'm just gonna quit. It could be 26, 27, 28, but I'm just saying whenever I'm done with my goals, that's when I'm gonna step out of the game.â€
Champ. Justin Gaethje thinks Ilia Topuria is too small for lightweight, says Arman Tsarukyan is ‘next in line.'
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Carlos Prates says UFC has confirmed he’s next for Islam Makhachev
So, I think most of us believe this is what’s going to happen, but speaking at Contender Series, Carlos Prates said the UFC confirmed he’s next, and he’s hoping for January.
Thoughts? Is Carlos gonna stop Islam’s run?
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Jose Aldo was actually champion at nearly 6 months younger than Jon, but since the UFC didn't officially fold the WEC into its organization until long after Zuffa acquired it, he was only the de fact UFC featherweight champion, and Jon is technically the youngest UFC champion.
I always feel its important to note that because people desperately want to forget how incredible Jose Aldo was.
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