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 , 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 . 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.