TLDR
- Raoni Barcelos collapsed unconscious during the final round of his UFC Vegas 121 main event fight against Raul Rosas Jr.
- The 39-year-old fighter was ahead on scorecards when he blacked out with less than three minutes remaining
- Barcelos confirmed he is “doing great” in his first statement since the incident and thanked fans for their support
- His coach ruled out stroke and heart attack but doctors still have no explanation for what caused the collapse
- Barcelos remains hospitalized in Las Vegas while undergoing standard medical tests and is expected to post a video update soon
Sources: sports.yahoo.com | mmafighting.com | sports.yahoo.com
UFC bantamweight fighter Raoni Barcelos has spoken out for the first time since collapsing during his main event fight this past weekend. The 39-year-old Brazilian fighter lost consciousness without warning during the final round of his bout against Raul Rosas Jr. at UFC Vegas 121.
The incident occurred with less than three minutes remaining in the fight. Barcelos was ahead on the scorecards when he suddenly blacked out and collapsed unconscious in the cage.
Barry in his first public statement since the scary moment, Barcelos wrote in the comment section of a UFC Brasil social media post that he is “doing great.” He thanked fans for their support and prayers while promising to share a video update soon.
“I promised a great fight, and I delivered on that promise,” Barcelos wrote in Portuguese. “Thank God, and thank you to everyone who fought alongside me, both inside and outside that cage.”
🚨 Raoni Barcelos speaks for the first time following the scary ending to the Raul Rosas Jr. fight 🙏
“I wanted to send you all a message to let you know that I’m okay. I’m doing very well, and I’m getting all the necessary tests done here at the hospital.
Man, I gave… pic.twitter.com/6MAzoZ1wUz
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) September 28, 2026
Medical Team Rules Out Major Concerns
Barcelosʼs head coach Davi Ramos provided updates on his fighter’s condition starting Sunday, just hours after the fight ended. Ramos confirmed that Barcelos was conscious and talking while receiving medical care in Las Vegas.
“Raoni is doing well,” Ramos said in his first statement. “He has all his senses, heʼs moving his leg, his arm, his hand, heʼs conscious, heʼs talking, everything is fine with him.”
Ramos later posted a video from outside the hospital alongside other trainers and Barcelos’ father Laerte Barcelos. In that update, he ruled out some of the most serious medical emergencies.
“He did not have a stroke, it wasnʼt a heart attack, nothing like that,” Ramos explained. The coach confirmed that doctors are still running tests to determine what caused Barcelos to lose consciousness.
Barcelosʼs father Laerte joked that his son is eager to leave the hospital. The fighter’s team said he is expected to post a video statement on social media in the coming days.
Support Pours In From UFC Community
The frightening scene drew immediate concern from the mixed martial arts community. Longtime UFC announcer Bruce Buffer was among those praising the toughness of UFC fighters and sending well wishes to Barcelos.
Barcelosʼs team emphasized that the fighter is undergoing all standard medical tests following such an incident. Ramos asked fans to remain calm and continue sending positive thoughts while doctors work to understand what happened.
“Heʼll have to rest because of what happened, but God willing, everything will be fine,” Ramos said in his initial statement. “Keep praying for him.”
The UFC and Barcelos’ team have not released any official explanation for what caused the collapse. Medical professionals continue to review test results as Barcelos remains under observation in Las Vegas.
Barcelosʼs performance before the incident showed why he was competing in the main event slot. The veteran fighter had controlled much of the action against the younger Rosas Jr. before the medical emergency cut the fight short.
The Brazilian fighter has competed professionally in mixed martial arts for over a decade. His message to fans included gratitude for those who supported him both during and after the frightening moment.
Barcelosʼs team confirmed they will share more information once all medical test results are available and reviewed by doctors.
