In a heartfelt post-fight moment at UFC Noche last weekend in Las Vegas, former heavyweight champion and current cageside color commentator, Daniel Cormier, found himself issuing a public apology to the rising UFC star, Raul Rosas Jr. The occasion was a special post-fight interview that unfolded in the Octagon, and it was a moment of humility and sportsmanship that truly resonated with fans and fighters alike.
Raul Rosas Jr., the 18-year-old sensation who had recently suffered his first professional career loss, stepped back into the Octagon with unmatched determination. He faced Terrence Mitchell and put on a jaw-dropping performance that left the UFC world in awe. Cormier, however, felt that he had not handled the interview as delicately as he should have, and he acknowledged his misstep with sincerity.
Cormier opened the interview by addressing the loss in Rosas Jr.’s record, a question he later regretted. He reflected on his own experiences with adversity and expressed his curiosity about how Rosas Jr. had overcome it. However, he acknowledged that his approach may not have been the best way to uplift a young fighter who had just showcased his resilience and skill in the Octagon.
Former UFC Champion Daniel Cormier Issues Apology to Raul Rosas Jr. After UFC Noche
In Cormier’s own words, “I feel like I should have led with something better, opposed to how he got over the adversity. Now for me, I’ve dealt with a ton of adversity so I wanted to know that. But in reality, I should have been in there to uplift Raul Rosas Jr., I shouldn’t have brought up his loss.”
He went on to offer a heartfelt apology to Rosas Jr., recognizing the beauty of the young fighter’s performance. “My apologies to Raul, he fought beautifully tonight. What a tremendous performance by that young man. And it shows, that regardless of age, you can get back on the horse and correct things. Now it feels like once again, it’s all systems go for Raul Rosas Jr.”
Terrence Mitchell, who faced Rosas Jr. in the Octagon, now stands at 0-2 under the UFC banner, while Rosas Jr. continues to be a beacon of hope and talent for the promotion. Bursting onto the scene through Dana White’s “Contender Series” in late 2022, he became the youngest fighter in UFC history, garnering attention and support from fans worldwide.
Despite the push from the promotion to elevate “El Nina Problema” as the next big star, his journey has not been without its detractors among the established veterans in the UFC. However, his remarkable performance at UFC Noche solidified his position as a fighter to watch and a testament to the power of resilience and determination in the world of mixed martial arts.