Top of the Class: Mitch Raposo is primed to bring a title to New England
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New England MMA has been in the spotlight since Rob Font and Calvin Katter’s rise in the UFC ranks. With their new following, they have been able to put on the new crop of fighters to represent the City of Champions. One of those is TUF 29’s Mitch Raposo…
On the show, Mitch was able to showcase his skillset on the biggest stage of his career. Though he lost, he proved that he’s right where he belongs—at the top of the crop. Mitch is a crafty wrestler with all the tools to be a future world champion. Heading back to the flyweight division, he will look to prove that his loss on the show was just a bad day. Mitch will undoubtedly have a significant strength advantage at 125lbs. It will allow him to be even more dominant with his wrestling skills.
Mitch is an absolute beast, ready for the upper echelon of the division.
Why was Mitch Raposo selected for our Top of the Class List?
Mitch has been making noise on the regional circuit, and is already on the UFC’s radar after The Ultimate Fighter. He was able to gain additional experience on the show, competing and training with high-level competition. Currently 5-0 as a pro and 11-0 overall, Raposo will put his undefeated record on the line on Season 5 of Contender Series.
Though he is a short notice replacement, expect to see an evolved Mitch when he steps into the UFC Apex once again. Not only was he a double amateur champion, he has three finishes on his record and plenty that have gone the distance. So you know his cardio has been tested and he can go the distance, if need be…
Aside from the obvious impressive resume, Mitch has the look and confidence to be a star. With Top Game Management and the New England Cartel behind him, his stock may rise much sooner than many may have anticipated.
Interview
When you take a look at the current New England regional MMA scene, fans have to smile and see the future is in great hands. Of course, at the forefront of prospects is our boy out of Fall River. The New England Cartel’s Mitch Raposo represents his home state proudly, and hopes to be the area’s next fighter signed to the UFC.
“I love New England. Rob and Calvin are starting that MMA legacy and we come from a city of champions so MMA needed that,” said Raposo. “I’m just happy to be that next generation coming up and my goal is to be the best fighter to ever come out of New England when it’s all said and done.”
Mitch had his first taste at chasing a UFC contract on the Return of TUF. Though he did not win, the experience was invaluable and something he’ll take with him as he progresses in his MMA career. “I took away that I belong in the UFC,” said Raposo. “The slightest hesitation cost me that fight and I know I beat that kid 9/10 times. I’m coming to show everyone how good I am and I’m ready to put on a show. I learned so much from Volk and he just instilled so much into my mindset and skillset. It changed my career forever.”
He now gets his second shot at a UFC contract on Week 6 of Contender Series. But he has another tough test ahead of him against a Cage Warriors champion. “I feel like this fight has fireworks all over it. He’s [Jake Hadley] well rounded, but definitely tries to grapple more,” said Raposo. “I’m coming to put on a show, I want this fight to be fireworks and I just think I’ll be one step ahead throughout the fight.”
“It’s going to be a great fight but I’m too fast, and he’s never fought a wrestler or grappler like me. Everyone he’s fought are primarily strikers or just pretty good everywhere. I feel like I can compete with the best guys everywhere and that’s hard to deal with. We will see how it plays out, but this fight is going to be a banger. I promise you that.”
Raposo is only 22-years-old and he’s already so well rounded. Just imagine what the next few years will do for him… When you think of his potential in the flyweight division, one has to think he’ll fare quite well. His size, wrestling, speed, and cardio will carry him far… “I feel like I could compete and beat guys in the top 15 right now,” said Raposo. “There’s no doubt in my mind. I’m gonna make a big splash in that flyweight division and I can’t wait to start October 12.”
Most fighters work hard. But what separates Mitch from the rest of the 125ers on the regional scene is that he’s constantly trying to evolve. What’s that famous saying… “Hard work beats talent when talent don’t work hard?” Well Mitch is equally as talented as the next crop of UFC-level fighters.
But he puts in the work every step of the way, and keeps his focus strong.
Congratulations to Mitch Raposo on being selected for our inaugural Top of the Class List!
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