Dana White “Can’t Wait” to Sign 9-Year-Old Rowdy Ryan After Boxing Sensation’s Challenge Post UFC 300

The UFC is growing bigger and bigger every year. After wrapping up an impressive and historic UFC 300, where 12 champions fought in the entire card, Dana White has attracted a 9-year-old boxer, who recently shared a message with the UFC CEO. The young boy, who goes by the name ‘Rowdy Ryan‘, revealed his intentions to the 54-year-old of becoming a UFC fighter.

‘Rowdy’ Ryan has created quite the buzz on social media. He shared numerous videos and posts of him competing and training, which have helped him garner over 170,000 followers on Instagram. Despite excelling in boxing and even winning medals and titles, Ryan believes his calling is in mixed martial arts.

‘Rowdy Ryan’ recently gained a lot of attention, but despite that, the 9-year-old is not going to settle for boxing. Ryan wants to be an MMA fighter for the biggest promotion in the world. He recently shared a video on his Instagram, where he sent a clear-cut message to Dana White that he intends to join the UFC when he turns 18.

“Dana, you see those fighters up there. Mark my words I’ll be up there by the time I’m 18,” said ‘Rowdy Ryan’ as he stood outside the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. Apparently, Dana White seemed to have been impressed with the young boxer. He was excited to see the enthusiasm Ryan had to get to the UFC and responded to him by stating that he was waiting for the day when the 9-year-old was finally able to make his way into the Octagon.

“BOOOOOOOM!!!!!! Can’t wait kid,” White replied. Ryan is so set on his aim to become a UFC fighter that he has mentioned that in the bio of his Instagram handle as well. Despite the enthusiasm the young boxer has shown for combat sports, fans on social recently expressed their concern for him, claiming that he’s too young to be fighting.

Fans claim Ryan’s too young to be competing in boxing

There have many discussions regarding the safe of combat sports athletes, including boxers. Given that ‘Rowdy Ryan’ is just 9 years old, they commented on one of his posts that boxing at such a young age may not be a wise decision. Fans believe that getting punched in the head at an early age could severely impact his cognitive abilities. Moreover, some fans even mentioned that Ryan could be subject to chronic traumatic encephalopathy, which is one of the most common types of diseases boxers suffer from. Meanwhile, some fight fans appeared to stand in support of the young boxer.

While some fans commended his boxing abilities, especially his jab, others mentioned that ‘Rowdy Ryan’ could develop a great fight IQ since he started competing at such a young age. Despite what the fans have to say, it has not deterred the 9-year-old’s aim of making his mark in combat sports.

‘Rowdy Ryan’ has clearly planned how he wants his career to go at a tender age already. We will have to wait and see how he develops as a fighter by the time he is an adult.

But will he be able to edge past Raul Rosas Jr. and become the youngest UFC fighter? It remains to be seen.