Aaron Rosa

Aaron Isaac Rosa (born May 28, 1983) is an American former professional mixed martial artist. A professional competitor from 2005 until 2013, he has competed for the UFC, Bellator, ShoXC, and Strikeforce.

Background Born and raised in the border-town of Del Rio, Texas, Rosa was a talented football player, competing at Del Rio High School before continuing his career at Angelo State University, where he was also a standout. In January 2004, Rosa began training in mixed martial arts.

Mixed martial arts career Early career Rosa made his amateur debut later that year in 2004 and made his professional debut in November 2005. Rosa compiled an undefeated record of 9–0 fighting on the local circuit before being signed by ShoXC.

ShoXC Rosa made his promotional debut on July 27, 2007, at ShoXC: Elite Challengers Series against Jefferson Silva and won via TKO. Rosa made his next appearance on October 26, 2007, against Jared Hamman and was handed his first professional defeat via rear-naked choke submission in the second round. Rosa then faced Jaime Fletcher on March 21, 2008, and was defeated again, via unanimous decision.

Rosa was scheduled to fight Seth Petruzelli, at EliteXC: Heat, but Petruzelli was moved to the main event to fight Kevin "Kimbo Slice" Ferguson after Ken Shamrock had to pull out due to an injury.

Strikeforce After picking up a win under the Adrenaline MMA banner, Rosa made his Strikeforce debut at Strikeforce Challengers: Evangelista vs. Aina on May 15, 2009, in a Light Heavyweight bout against Anthony Ruiz. Rosa won via rear-naked choke submission in the first round. Rosa made his next appearance on November 20, 2009, at Strikeforce Challengers: Woodley vs. Bears against Rafael Cavalcante. Rosa was defeated in the second round via TKO.

At Bellator 20 he defeated veteran Robert Villegas by unanimous decision. Rosa then defeated The Ultimate Fighter 10 alumnus Abe Wagner via submission at Titan FC 17: Lashley vs. Ott.

Ultimate Fighting Championship On May 13, 2011, it was announced that Rosa had signed with the UFC.

He made his debut against Joey Beltran at UFC 131. After a back-and-forth first two rounds, Rosa was stopped by Beltran by TKO in the third round.

Rosa was expected to face Fabio Maldonado in a Light Heavyweight bout at UFC Live: Cruz vs. Johnson. But Maldonado was forced to pull out of the bout due to an injury.

Rosa instead faced promotional newcomer Matt Lucas on November 12, 2011, at UFC on Fox 1. He won the fight via majority decision.

Rosa had his next Light Heavyweight bout against James Te-Huna on March 3, 2012, at UFC on FX 2. Rosa lost via TKO in the first round and was subsequently released from the promotion.

Bellator After his release from the UFC, Rosa made his return to Bellator at Bellator 103 on October 11, 2013, facing Mikhail Zayats. Rosa was defeated 47 seconds into the first round via submission.

Return to MMA After more the 9 years away from the sport, Rosa made his return against Juan Adams at Fury FC 56 on February 6, 2022. Rosa lost the bout in the first round via ground and pound TKO.

Personal life Rosa is married and has 2 daughters and a son.

Mixed martial arts record Loss

Juan Adams TKO (punches) Fury FC 56

San Antonio, Texas, United States Loss

Mikhail Zayats Submission (kimura) Bellator 103

Mulvane, Kansas, United States Win

Tony Melton Decision (split) EODV: El Orgulo del Valle

Pharr, Texas, United States Loss

James Te-Huna TKO (punches) UFC on FX: Alves vs. Kampmann

Sydney, Australia Win

Matt Lucas (fighter)|Matt Lucas Decision (majority) UFC on Fox: Velasquez vs. Dos Santos

Anaheim, California, United States Loss

Joey Beltran TKO (punches) UFC 131

Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada Win

Abe Wagner Submission (rear-naked choke) Titan FC 17: Lashley vs. Ott

Kansas City, Kansas, United States Win

Devin Cole Decision (unanimous) Shark Fights 13: Jardine vs Prangley

Amarillo, Texas, United States Heavyweight debut. Win

Jay Peche TKO (punches) ABG: Promotions

San Antonio, Texas, United States Win

Robert Villegas Decision (unanimous) Bellator 20

San Antonio, Texas, United States Loss

Rafael Cavalcante TKO (punches) Strikeforce Challengers: Woodley vs. Bears

Kansas City, Kansas, United States Win

Anthony Ruiz Submission (rear-naked choke) Strikeforce Challengers: Evangelista vs. Aina

Fresno, California, United States Win

Ron Fields TKO (punches) Adrenaline MMA: Guida vs. Russow

Chicago, Illinois, United States Loss

Jaime Fletcher Decision (unanimous) ShoXC: Elite Challenger Series

Santa Ynez, California, United States Loss

Jared Hamman Submission (rear-naked choke) ShoXC: Elite Challenger Series

Santa Ynez, California, United States Win

Jefferson Silva TKO (doctor stoppage) ShoXC: Elite Challenger Series

Santa Ynez, California, United States Win

Matt Thomas Decision (split) World Cage Fighting 1

Southaven, Mississippi, United States Win

Corey Salter TKO (punches) JJL Promotions: Sudden Impact 1

San Antonio, Texas, United States Win

Jesse Vasquez TKO (punches) Renegades Extreme Fighting

Houston, Texas, United States Win

Anthony Trotter TKO (punches) NLE: Ultimate Fright Night

Bossier City, Louisiana, United States Win

Robert Masko Decision (unanimous) Renegades Extreme Fighting

Houston, Texas, United States Win

Lance Ramoth Submission (rear-naked choke) Renegades Extreme Fighting

Houston, Texas, United States Win

Patrick Miller Submission (rear-naked choke) Renegades Extreme Fighting

Houston, Texas, United States Win

Matt Thompson Decision (unanimous) Renegades Extreme Fighting

Austin, Texas, United States Win

Shane Faulkner Decision (unanimous) Renegades Extreme Fighting

Houston, Texas, United States