TLDR
- Raoni Barcelos was discharged from hospital Tuesday night, three days after losing consciousness during his UFC fight against Raul Rosas Jr.
- Barcelos collapsed during a fifth-round takedown while leading on all scorecards and was taken to a trauma center
- Dana White confirmed all pre-fight medical checks were completed and six doctors were present at the event
- White refused to discuss Barcelos’s potential return to fighting, stating his health is the only current priority
- No official cause for the loss of consciousness has been publicly disclosed by UFC or medical officials
Sources: yardbarker.com | mmamania.com
UFC bantamweight fighter Raoni Barcelos has been released from the hospital following a frightening incident during his main event bout against Raul Rosas Jr. on Saturday night. The 39-year-old Brazilian posted a photo with family on Instagram Tuesday night confirming his discharge.
Barcelos lost consciousness during a fifth-round takedown at UFC Vegas 121 while leading on all three judges’ scorecards. Medical staff immediately attended to him and transported him via stretcher from the Octagon to a nearby trauma center.
“Discharged from the hospital and with my family!” Barcelos wrote on social media. “I want to thank everyone for the affection, prayers, and positive vibes!”
No official cause for the loss of consciousness has been publicly disclosed by UFC or medical officials. The incident occurred during what had been a competitive fight that Barcelos appeared to be winning before the sudden collapse.
🙏‼️Raoni Barcelos has shared his first update from the hospital
“I’m okay. I’m conscious, I’m feeling good and everything is fine. So don’t worry.” pic.twitter.com/yryLm26rkR
— Dovy🔌 (@DovySimuMMA) September 28, 2026
UFC President Addresses Safety Protocols
UFC CEO Dana White spoke about the situation publicly for the first time on Tuesday during a press conference for the Contender Series. White confirmed that Barcelos is recovering well and defended the organization’s medical procedures.
“Thank God, he’s doing well. He’s up walking around, talking,” White told reporters. “All the pre-fight medicals were triple-checked, everything was good.”
White emphasized the medical resources available at the event. He stated there were six doctors present that night along with three ambulances on standby.
“He was taken straight to the trauma center. Everything was done the right way and the outcome was good,” White explained.
The UFC president confirmed that all standard medical protocols were followed before and during the fight. Barcelos had cleared all required pre-fight medical examinations without issue.
Return to Competition Remains Uncertain
Barcelos has indicated on social media that he intends to resume training and eventually return to fighting. However, White made it clear that any discussion of a comeback is premature.
“Not even thinking about that,” White said when asked about Barcelos’s potential return. “Who gives a shit? As long as the kid is okay.”
The response suggests UFC officials are prioritizing Barcelos’s health over any competitive considerations at this time. White’s comments indicate the promotion will not rush any decisions about the fighter’s future.
Barcelos entered the fight with a professional record of 22-5. The veteran bantamweight has competed in UFC since 2019 and was looking to build momentum in the 135-pound division.
The loss to Rosas Jr. was officially recorded as a fifth-round knockout. It marked Barcelos’s sixth career defeat and first loss by knockout in this manner.
Barcelos will likely need to undergo additional medical evaluations before any determination can be made about his fighting future. Nevada Athletic Commission protocols typically require extensive testing following incidents involving loss of consciousness during competition.
