Update on Raoini Barcelos's condition: Moments of terror at UFC Vegas 121 as the Brazilian was knocked out on the mat
The incident occurred as Barcelos took on Raul Rosas Jr.
R aoni Barcelos is stable, alert and responsive after being stretchered from the Octagon following a frightening fifth-round finish against Raul Rosas Jr. at UFC Vegas 121 .
The UFC confirmed Barcelos was taken to a Level 1 trauma center after losing consciousness during the main event at the Meta APEX in Las Vegas on Saturday night.
The hospital medical team performed a CT scan and a comprehensive assessment, with Barcelos remaining under medical supervision after the examination.
“Following his fight tonight, Raoni Barcelos was immediately transported to a Level 1 trauma center for evaluation,” the UFC said. “The hospital medical team conducted a CT scan and comprehensive assessment, and he is currently being monitored.
“Barcelos is stable, alert and responsive, with full movement. He will remain under medical supervision. We will provide updates on his condition as they become available.”
Earlier reports from Barcelos ' team also indicated that he had regained consciousness at the hospital.
The frightening moment came with 1:38 remaining in the fifth round, when Rosas Jr. secured a takedown that sent Barcelos to the canvas during their hard-fought bantamweight main event.
Rosas Jr. immediately recognized that something was wrong and stopped attacking, while referee Herb Dean and medical personnel rushed toward Barcelos as he remained on the canvas.
Barcelos was eventually placed onto a stretcher and carried from the Octagon before being taken to hospital for further evaluation. The unusual finish was officially recorded as a slam TKO.
The result ended a five-fight winning streak for Barcelos , who entered the contest having beaten Montel Jackson by split decision at UFC Fight Night 274 in April.
The Brazilian veteran also earned Fight of the Night honors despite the defeat in a moving gesture of support and tribute to the risks the fighters take for the entertainment of the fans.
Rosas Jr. improved to 13-1 overall and 7-1 in the UFC with the victory, extending his winning streak to six fights and securing the biggest win of his young career.
Barcelos was born in Rio de Janeiro and began grappling at five under his father, Laerte , a former freestyle wrestler who represented Brazil and holds a seventh-degree coral belt in jiu-jitsu.
The Brazilian built his career across organizations including Shooto Brazil and the Resurrection Fighting Alliance , where he became RFA featherweight champion before eventually joining the UFC .
Barcelos made his UFC debut in July 2018 against Kurt Holobaugh and won by knockout, earning Fight of the Night honors in his first appearance inside the Octagon .
Since then, he has shared the cage with several notable bantamweights, including Umar Nurmagomedov , Cody Garbrandt , Ricky Simon and Payton Talbott during his long career.
Barcelos entered UFC Vegas 121 ranked No. 13 in the bantamweight division and carrying five consecutive victories before his meeting with Rosas Jr. at the Meta APEX and suffering his accident.
Fortunately, he seems to have pulled through, and will remain under medical supervision with the UFC providing further updates when available.
