Christian Rodriguez: 18-year-old Raul Rosas Jr.'s 'hype benefits me once I stop it'

MIAMI – Christian Rodriguez is looking to steal the highly touted Raul Rosas Jr.’s shine at UFC 287.

Rodriguez (8-1 MMA, 1-1 UFC) faces Rosas Jr. (7-0 MMA, 1-0 UFC) on Saturday’s main card opener at Kaseya Arena. The main card airs on pay-per-view following prelims on ESPN and early prelims on ESPN+.

Rodriguez will be taking on 18-year-old phenom Rosas Jr., who became the youngest UFC fighter when he finished Jay Perrin by first-round submission in his octagon debut in December. Rodriguez is aware of all the hype surrounding Rosas Jr. – and he looks to capitalize on it.

“I feel like I’ll probably be the underdog in this fight,” Rodriguez told reporters, including MMA Junkie, during Wednesday’s UFC 287 media day. “I do know he has a lot of hype, but I don’t mind the hype. I think it benefits me once I stop it.

“I like the matchup. I don’t think the UFC does any favors. I don’t think the UFC is the kind of place that tries to build people up. I think what the UFC does is, they put two prospects who are really good and they see whoever wants it more.”

Rodriguez rates Rosas Jr.’s skills highly, but thinks he’s lacking in the striking department in comparison to him.

“He’s a very, very good grappler, but I feel that’s all he brings to the table,” Rodriguez said. “But I do respect his skillset. I do respect how good his grappling is. It’s not like I’m overlooking him or anything like that, but I do respect his skillset and his team.”

He continued, “He has good striking, but I think more of his game is striking to set up his grappling. So, I do feel like I’m more confident in my striking than his.”

For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 287.