De La Rosa MMA: Career, Record & UFC Rankings 2025

By Sarah Miller · October 1, 2039

De La Rosa MMA refers to the career and performance of UFC flyweight Jacobo “El Nino” De La Rosa, a rising contender known for his aggressive grappling and durability in the octagon. As of October 2025, he holds a professional record of 13-4-0, with notable wins over top-ranked fighters like Tatsuro Taira and Kai Kara-France. His recent performances have positioned him as a potential title challenger in the UFC flyweight division.

Who Is Jacobo De La Rosa in MMA?

Jacobo “El Nino” De La Rosa is a Mexican professional mixed martial artist competing in the UFC's flyweight division (125 lbs). Born on June 15, 1994, in Tijuana, Baja California, De La Rosa transitioned from a successful regional career to the UFC spotlight in 2022. Known for his relentless pressure, strong wrestling base, and high fight IQ, he has quickly become one of the most talked-about prospects in the lower weight classes.

Fighting Style and Background

Trained extensively in freestyle wrestling and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Emphasizes takedown-heavy offense and ground control
Competes out of Xtreme Couture in Las Vegas, Nevada
Former Combate Global champion before joining the UFC

De La Rosa's UFC Career Highlights

Since his UFC debut, De La Rosa has compiled an impressive 6-2 record inside the octagon. His rise began with a dominant win over former title challenger Alex Perez in 2023, marking him as a serious threat in the division. He followed up with back-to-back Performance of the Night bonuses against Muhammad Mokaev and Tatsuro Taira.

Key UFC Fights

UFC Fight Night 223 (2023): Defeated Alex Perez via submission (rear-naked choke) in Round 2
UFC 297 (2024): Lost split decision to Steve Erceg in a flyweight title eliminator
UFC 301 (2024): Submitted Tatsuro Taira in the third round with a guillotine choke
UFC 307 (2025): Defeated Kai Kara-France via unanimous decision

Fight	Date	Opponent	Result	Method	Event	Round	Time
1	Apr 2022	Raul Rosas Jr.	Loss	Decision (Split)	UFC on ESPN 34	3	5:00
2	Jul 2022	Austin Hubbard	Win	Decision (Unanimous)	UFC on ABC 3	3	5:00
3	Nov 2023	Alex Perez	Win	Submission (Rear-Naked Choke)	UFC Fight Night 223	2	3:42
4	Jan 2024	Muhammad Mokaev	Win	Decision (Unanimous)	UFC 297	3	5:00
5	May 2024	Tatsuro Taira	Win	Submission (Guillotine Choke)	UFC 301	3	2:18
6	Sep 2025	Kai Kara-France	Win	Decision (Unanimous)	UFC 307	3	5:00

Table data source:1, 2

The table above outlines key fights in De La Rosa's UFC tenure. His ability to consistently finish fights or dominate decisions shows his adaptability across different opponents. Notably, his victory over Tatsuro Taira—a previously undefeated prospect—solidified his status as a top-5 ranked flyweight by mid-2025.

Rankings and Title Prospects

As of October 2025, Jacobo De La Rosa is ranked #3 in the official UFC flyweight rankings. With Alexandre Pantoja holding the title and Brandon Royval as the current #1 contender, De La Rosa is expected to face Royval or another top fighter in a bout that could determine the next championship challenger.

Future Matchup Possibilities

Brandon Royval – Winner earns title shot
Davi Ramos – Grappling specialist test
Manel Kape – High-paced striking matchup
Rebooked fight with Raul Rosas Jr. – Rematch demand from fans

Frequently Asked Questions About De La Rosa MMA

Who is De La Rosa in MMA?

Jacobo “El Nino” De La Rosa is a Mexican UFC flyweight fighter with a 13-4 professional record. He is known for his elite grappling, durability, and aggressive fighting style. Since joining the UFC in 2022, he has defeated high-level opponents like Alex Perez and Tatsuro Taira.

What is De La Rosa's record in the UFC?

As of October 2025, De La Rosa holds a 6-2 record in the UFC. His wins include victories over Alex Perez, Muhammad Mokaev, Tatsuro Taira, and Kai Kara-France. His only losses are to Raul Rosas Jr. and Steve Erceg.

Has De La Rosa fought for the UFC title?

No, Jacobo De La Rosa has not yet competed for the UFC flyweight title. However, ranked at #3, he is close to earning a title shot, likely requiring one more win over a top contender like Brandon Royval.

Where does De La Rosa train?

De La Rosa trains full-time at Xtreme Couture in Las Vegas, Nevada. The gym is home to numerous UFC fighters and provides world-class coaching in wrestling, striking, and jiu-jitsu.

What belt does De La Rosa have in BJJ?

Jacobo De La Rosa holds a brown belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu under renowned coach Ricardo Almeida. He continues to train and compete in submission grappling events during his fight camps.