Finally, some good news straight from the human mouth Raoni’s Barcelos.
The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) bantamweight veteran has spoken publicly for the first time since the gruesome end to his bout. UFC Vegas 121 main event vs Raul Rosas Jr. last weekend (Saturday, September 26, 2026) at the Meta Apex in Las Vegas, Nevada.
And most importantly, says Barcelos he is doing well.
“Hey guys, how are you? I’m coming here to text you and tell you I’m fine,” Barcelos said from the hospital. “I’m doing really well. I’m having all the tests done at this hospital. It’s really just standard hospital protocol. It has to be done.”
Barcelos then thanked fight fans for the overwhelming support he has received since the terrifying incident.
“I am grateful for all the prayers and messages of affection,” Barcelos continued. “Send that positive energy.”
The 39-year-old was involved in one of the scariest scenes of the year when he suddenly lost consciousness during the fifth round against Rosas (look at it).
There was no apparent impact immediately before the incident, creating considerable confusion about what happened. Barcelos remained on the ground as medical personnel rushed the Octagon before he was placed on a stretcher and transported to a local hospital.
Rosas was officially awarded a fifth-round knockout victory.
In an Instagram caption accompanying today’s video, Barcelos offered the clearest explanation yet of what he remembers.
“We had a great fight,” Barcelos wrote. “I felt great, I was winning round by round, even in the fifth. Unfortunately, I just passed out.”
Barcelos added that he remains under observation and will be closely monitored, promising to provide more information as he receives it. At the moment, however, he insists that he feels great.
This is especially encouraging considering how interesting the scene looked in real time.
Barcelos even managed to find humor in everything.
“I really gave it my all in that cage,” Barcelos said. “As I had said before, I only left this cage on a stretcher and to be honest, that’s exactly what happened.”
Unfortunately, it wasn’t the reason Barcelos envisioned.
“It wasn’t the way I wanted it to be,” he continued. “I wanted to be the champion so I would have walked away with the win, but God knows everything. So let’s move on to the next thing. I’m here, I’m fine, I’ll be back. I’ll be back stronger.”
Although Barcelos’ description of the episode as fainting provides some clarity, the underlying cause is unknown. Barcelos did not say what doctors believe caused him to lose consciousness, and his statement indicates that medical tests and observations are ongoing.
Right now, it’s secondary to the biggest update everyone was waiting for.
Barcelos is awake, talking, smiling and — in his own words — “doing great.”
“And like a fine wine,” Barcelos wrote, “I return even better.”
For full UFC Vegas 121 results and click here here.