TLDR
- Kamaru Usman said Raoni Barcelos’ domination at UFC Vegas 121 was expected given the veteran’s toughness
- Barcelos was winning on all three scorecards (39-37, 39-37, 39-36) heading into the fifth round
- Barcelos lost consciousness during a Rosas Jr. takedown, appearing to briefly hit his head on the fence
- The 39-year-old was stretchered out and taken to a trauma center where he underwent a CT scan
- The loss ended Barcelos’ five-fight winning streak while giving 21-year-old Rosas Jr. a comeback victory
Sources: lowkickmma.com
Kamaru Usman recently shared his thoughts on Raoni Barcelos’ performance at UFC Vegas 121, saying the veteran’s domination was exactly what he expected to see. The former welterweight champion broke down the fight on the latest Pound 4 Pound Show alongside Henry Cejudo.
The 39-year-old Barcelos faced 21-year-old Raul Rosas Jr. in the main event on Saturday night. Barcelos controlled most of the fight through four rounds, building a clear lead on all three judges’ scorecards.
When Cejudo mentioned the fight was one-sided in favor of Barcelos, Usman agreed completely. “It was kind of expected,” Usman said on the podcast.
Usman explained he has watched Barcelos compete multiple times and knew how tough the Brazilian fighter is. “I’ve been on the card with him, and I’ve been able to watch him a few fights and call a couple of his fights, so I just know how tough he is,” Usman stated.
Kamaru Usman and Henry Cejudo have a heated debate in relation to the “First African Champ” narrative 😬
Usman: “So you’re disagreeing that the color of your skin does not play an impact on the quality of life?”
Cejudo: “Not in America man.”
🎥 @pound4poundshow #UFC #MMA pic.twitter.com/78tT9Lcmcr
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) August 19, 2024
The Scorecards Told a Clear Story
Heading into the fifth and final round, Barcelos was winning convincingly on all three judges’ cards. Two judges, Mike Bell and Sal D’Amato, scored the fight 39-37 in favor of Barcelos.
Judge Chris Lee had it even wider at 39-36 for Barcelos. Lee gave Barcelos a 10-8 score for the fourth round, which was filled with heavy strikes.
Barcelos appeared on his way to a unanimous decision victory after four strong rounds. Everything changed in the final round when Rosas Jr. secured a takedown.
The Scary Fifth Round Ending
During the takedown attempt, Barcelos briefly appeared to hit his head on the fence. He immediately lost consciousness, turning what looked like a certain victory into a devastating knockout loss.
Medical staff rushed to attend to Barcelos on the canvas. He was then stretchered out of the octagon and taken to a Level 1 trauma center.
Barcelos underwent a CT scan at the hospital to check for any serious injuries. The UFC later issued an update confirming that Barcelos was stable and conscious.
The loss ended Barcelos’ impressive five-fight winning streak. He had been building momentum in the bantamweight division with those consecutive victories.
Rosas Jr., at just 21 years old, earned a comeback victory that appeared impossible just minutes earlier. The young fighter celebrated after the referee stopped the fight.
The win keeps Rosas Jr. undefeated in the UFC and adds another highlight to his young career. He had previously discussed his long-term plans in the sport, mentioning a possible retirement timeline in interviews before the fight.
Barcelos remains hospitalized but in stable condition following the CT scan and initial medical evaluation.
