Biography
Charles Rosa (2026)
Table of Contents
Charles Rosa, popularly known by his nickname “Boston Strong,” is an American professional mixed martial artist from Peabody, Massachusetts. He is a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt and is known for his long career in professional MMA, including his time competing in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). Rosa has also competed in regional MMA promotions, lightweight bouts, bare-knuckle MMA, and other combat-sports events. He most recently competed in Gamebred Bareknuckle MMA in 2026.
| Quick Info | |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Charles Rosa |
| Date Of Birth | August 24, 1986 |
| Birth Place | Peabody, Massachusetts, United States |
| Parent(s) | Chucky Rosa Mary Rosa |
| Profession | Mixed Martial Artist |
| Nationality | American |
| Age | 40 years |
| Height | 1.75 m |
| Weight | 66 kg |
| Net Worth | US $1 -$2 million |
EARLY LIFE
Charles Rosa was born on August 24, 1986, in Peabody, Massachusetts, USA. He developed an interest in sports and martial arts at an early age and participated in several physical activities while growing up. His athletic background eventually led him toward martial arts, where he developed his skills in karate and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
Rosa attended Johnson & Wales University, where he studied culinary arts and also played lacrosse. After completing his education, he moved to Florida and continued developing his martial-arts career. During his early years in Florida, he trained at American Top Team while also working as a chef. His experience in the culinary field remained an important part of his life before he established himself as a full-time professional fighter.
Alongside these, he also loved karate and trained selflessly. He graduated with a degree in culinary arts from Johnson & Wales University. During his time in the university, he played lactose for the college team. He moved to Florida after getting his degree. While in Florida, he joined the gym named American Top Team and acquired mixed martial arts training. He worked at Cut 432 when he was starting in Florida. Cut 432 is a steakhouse, and he worked as a chef there.
CAREER
Charles Rosa began his professional MMA career in 2012 after building a strong amateur record. Before joining the UFC, he competed in several regional promotions and established himself as an undefeated prospect, earning a 9-0 professional record before making his way to the world’s leading MMA organization.
Rosa made his UFC debut on October 4, 2014, against Dennis Siver at UFC Fight Night 53. Although he lost the bout by unanimous decision, the competitive fight earned both fighters Fight of the Night honors. Rosa subsequently recorded his first UFC victory against Sean Soriano in January 2015, submitting him in the third round. He later defeated Kyle Bochniak by unanimous decision.
Rosa’s UFC career was interrupted by a serious neck injury that forced him away from competition for more than two years. The injury was severe enough that he was advised to consider ending his MMA career, but Rosa continued rehabilitation and training in an effort to return to competition. His determination eventually allowed him to make his comeback.
He returned to the UFC in October 2019 against Manny Bermudez and won by first-round submission, earning a Performance of the Night bonus. He later faced Bryce Mitchell at UFC 249 in May 2020 and lost by unanimous decision. Rosa continued competing in the UFC through 2022, with notable bouts against fighters including Darrick Minner, Justin Jaynes, Damon Jackson, T.J. Brown and Nathaniel Wood. His final UFC bout came against Nathaniel Wood on July 23, 2022, which he lost by unanimous decision. The UFC lists Rosa with a 14-8-0 record and records eight submission victories and three knockout victories during his UFC career.
Following his UFC run, Rosa continued competing professionally outside the organization. He moved into lightweight competition and became associated with American Combat Gym. In 2024, he defeated Patrick Benson by TKO to win the CES MMA Lightweight Championship and later submitted Peter Barrett with an anaconda choke in Gamebred Bareknuckle MMA. He also competed in Ice Fighting before returning to MMA competition in 2026.
In April 2026, Rosa faced Jhonasky Sojo at Gamebred Bareknuckle MMA 9 and lost the bout by unanimous decision. Later in August 2026, he competed against Charon Spain at BKFC 92. This reflects Rosa’s continued involvement in combat sports beyond his UFC career.
PERSONAL LIFE
Charles Rosa has generally kept his personal life away from the public spotlight. Much of the information available about him focuses on his professional fighting career, training, and martial-arts journey. He has also been involved in charitable activities, including volunteering with Project Sunshine, where he helped children in need.
Height, Weight, and Age
Charles Rosa was born on August 24, 1986, making him 40 years old in 2026. His listed height is approximately 5 feet 9 inches, with a reach of around 69 inches. Although he was primarily known as a featherweight during his UFC career, Rosa has also competed at lightweight and in other combat-sports formats in recent years.
Social Media
Charles Rosa has maintained a presence on social media under his professional identity and nickname, “Boston Strong.” His social-media activity has primarily focused on his training, fights, martial arts, and professional career.
NET WORTH
Charles Rosa’s exact current net worth is not publicly confirmed. Earlier estimates placed his net worth at approximately US$1.5 million, but those estimates should be treated cautiously because fighter earnings, sponsorship income, bonuses, and earnings from promotions outside the UFC are not always publicly disclosed. Tapology currently lists his disclosed career MMA earnings at approximately US$334,000, which does not necessarily represent his total income throughout his career.
