Barcelos (22-6) took on one of the hottest prospects of the year
Ultimate Fighting Championship, Raul Rosas Jr. (13-1), in the main tournament of the year
UFC Vegas 121 in Las Vegas. Barcelos was ahead on the scorecards going into the final round, but suffered a worrying stoppage loss.
Moicano praises Barcelos after losing to Raul Rosas Jr.
Their brutal back-and-forth battle was seemingly ready to go into the final frame. Rosas Jr. got off to a strong start and Barcelos suddenly limped as he crashed against the cage wall. The former was declared the winner, while the latter was eliminated on a stretcher from the Octagon.
“Moicano” praised Barcelos for going to his shield like a warrior. The UFC lightweight felt proud to be Brazilian after watching Barcelos perform and believes the 39-year-old lightweight veteran should be a role model for the next generations.
“Raoni Barcelos showed yesterday what it means to be a Brazilian fighter, a warrior,” he posted on X. “He left with his shield on, but he left with all the honor and glory. Raoni Barcelos fills me with pride and hope to be a Brazilian, not just in the fight. We need to make these Brazilians role models for the youth.”
Barcelos was immediately taken to the hospital, where he regained consciousness. His coach, David Ramoson saturday evening confirmed that he was responsive and moving around. He is still being monitored and is awaiting test results to determine the exact problem.
Raoni’s Barcelos YESTERDAY SHOWED THE CHARACTER OF WHAT IT MEANS TO BE A BRAZILIAN FIGHTER, A WARRIOR. HE WENT WITH HIS SHIELD UPON, BUT HE WENT WITH ALL HONESTY AND SPEED. Raoni’s Barcelos IT FILLS ME WITH PRIDE AND HOPE TO BE BRAZILIAN, NOT JUST IN FIGHT. WE HAVE TO MAKE THESE BRAZILIANS…
— Renato Moicano (@moicanoufc)
27 September 2026
