Raul Rosas Jr. extended his winning streak to four at UFC Mexico by defeating Vince Morales via unanimous decision. However, the young fighter disclosed that the challenge wasn`t from his opponent`s late submission attempt, but rather from the debilitating effects of the high altitude.
In the third round, despite leading on points, Rosas faced a desperate submission attempt from Morales, who locked in a D’Arce choke. Although Rosas appeared to struggle momentarily, he confidently stated he was never in danger of tapping out.
The 20-year-old prospect explained that he was mentally prepared for Morales`s chokes and was confident in his defense. “Honestly, tapping wasn`t an option,” Rosas told MMA Fighting, emphasizing his high tolerance for chokes, honed through rigorous training.
Rosas recounted training sessions where he allowed opponents to apply deep D’Arce chokes, developing his ability to endure and escape. He estimated Morales`s deepest choke during the fight was only at 55 percent of its potential depth, causing discomfort but not posing a serious threat.
Interestingly, Rosas was surprised Morales even attempted the D’Arce choke, recalling past training sessions where Morales had failed to submit him with the same technique. He speculated that Morales might have simply taken a chance, despite knowing Rosas`s resilience.
While the submission attempt was not a major concern, Rosas admitted that the altitude in Mexico City presented a far greater obstacle. Fighters often struggle with the thin air at high altitudes, and Rosas experienced an unprecedented level of exhaustion during the fight, despite his preparations.
The altitude forced Rosas to drastically change his fight strategy. He confessed that after the first round, he felt completely drained. “When the first round ended, I was dead,” Rosas admitted, describing his arms as unresponsive and his extreme thirst.
Seeing his opponent seemingly fresh and energetic at the start of the second round, Rosas felt a surge of determination, recalling his previous loss to Christian Rodriguez where he similarly ran out of energy. He vowed to win, pushing through extreme fatigue to secure the victory.
Rosas described the third round as the most physically challenging of his career, highlighting his pride in overcoming such adversity. Even the day after the fight, he still experienced lingering breathlessness, similar to the exhaustion after a long run, underscoring the profound impact of the altitude.
Reflecting on the fight, Rosas acknowledged it wasn`t his most polished performance, but he valued the experience of battling through extreme conditions and securing a win. He recognized the importance of learning to manage fights beyond just seeking finishes, gaining valuable experience in endurance and strategic fighting.
Regarding future fights in Mexico City, Rosas expressed openness to the challenge, particularly for significant opportunities. However, he noted the logistical difficulties of having a smaller team present in Mexico City as a potential deterrent, rather than the altitude itself. Having now experienced fighting at altitude, Rosas believes he would be better prepared for a future bout in similar conditions.
