Mitch Raposo's 3-Step Plan: Beat David Durao, Turn Pro, Sign With UFC
Mitch Raposo's 3-Step Plan: Beat David Durao, Turn Pro, Sign With UFC
Undefeated amateur flyweight Mitch Raposo discusses his upcoming rematch vs. David Durao, turning pro, and potentially signing with the UFC.
Don’t let Mitch Raposo’s age fool you. The 19-year-old fighter might be young in life, but he's a seasoned veteran in the fight game. Fall River, Massachusetts' own has been involved with martial arts for over seven years, making Raposo a true member of the new breed of fighters rising in MMA.
While he officially kicked off his journey toward MMA glory at age 12, Raposo (5-0 amateur) says he’s had a fighter’s mentality for as long as he can remember.
“I always was an aggressive kid, especially with my two big brothers,” laughed Raposo in an interview with FloCombt. “I had to try [martial arts] out, and I was kind of a natural. I was hanging with kids who were doing it much longer than me. I just never left.”
Friday, Oct. 12, Raposo will rematch David Durao at AMMO Fight League 3 in Springfield, Massachusetts.
In their first meeting, Raposo cruised to an easy three-round decision. While recognizing they’re both evolving fighters, Raposo believes he is still a step ahead of his rival.
“I’m just too complete for him—just like the first fight,” Raposo said. “He’s only had one or two fights since we’ve fought. I’ve had four. It’s just a bad matchup for him either way, regardless of how complete he is.”
Crediting his opponent as being a “dangerous dude” who is “aggressive and has a lot of heart,” Raposo isn’t taking his 28-year-old foe for granted. Regardless of the opponent, though, Raposo feels his skills are too much for any New England amateur to handle.
“I improve every single fight,” Raposo said. “I know how his power feels and his speed [too]. I don’t think he even hit me once in the first fight.
“When you’re in there with someone, you can really feel their strengths. That’s a big thing to me. I could take it to the floor or keep it on the feet.”
Watch Raposo vs. John Lessard at Cage Titans 38 here:
One of the most high-profile amateur fighters in the northeast, the Cage Titans Amateur Flyweight Champion is looking to pick up one final victory before turning professional.
“As long as I go out there and perform to the best of my ability, I’ll be going pro after this fight,” Raposo said. “[Even then,] I don’t really see myself being on the local scene too long.
“I will probably stay with Cage Titans [to kick of my pro career]. Mike [Polvere] is phenomenal and a great promoter. I’ve got options though. I could go to Combat Zone or CES, but I think Cage Titans would be where I build my pro career.”
Mitch Raposo is putting on a GSP-esque performance at #CageTitans38. Perfectly timed takedowns. Insane top control. Constantly threatening. What a performance thus far for the 19 year old. pic.twitter.com/VWGL0jfny6
— FloCombat (@FloCombat) April 15, 2018
Once that pro career gets underway, Raposo predicts it won’t take long for him to be picked up by a major promotion.
“It’s pretty obvious the UFC likes the young guys and the prospects,” Raposo said. “With a couple pro fights, I don’t think there’s any question you’ll see me on the Contender Series next summer. If things go well and I keep taking it fight by fight, there’s no reason I shouldn’t be on there.
“I’m only 19, and it’s no secret they prefer young prospects and a kid like me—a teenager—if I rack up some exciting wins as a pro, I think there’s no doubt I should be on their radar by 2019.”