Back after his first defeat in the UFC, Raoni Barcelos cites learning and reveals plan for a title fight

R. Barcelos is a Brazilian promise in the UFC bantamweight division. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram

About six months after suffering his first defeat with the Ultimate gloves, Raoni barcelos is back. Brazilian highlight in UFC Las Vegas 45, the athlete faces the newcomer Victor Henry, and, as far as Rio is concerned, his rival won't have much time to enjoy the moment. In an interview with 'Combate', the Tupiniquim foresees a quick confrontation and outlines a bold plan to fight for the bantamweight belt (up to 61,2kg).

See too

#Stories – See who the five Brazilians are in action at the last UFC event of the year

Joe Rogan criticizes Amanda Nunes' performance in defeat to Julianna Peña at UFC 269: 'Unforgivable'

Johnny Walker asks UFC for fight and indicates possible move to heavyweight

Video: Political rivals decide to resolve differences in MMA fight in Brazil; check out

Tyron Woodley denies underestimating Jake Paul in their first meeting and predicts knockout in rematch

“I will set my pace all the time to come out with the victory. (…) I’m not going to leave it in the hands of the judges, I’m going to finish it sooner. I will win by knockout, if possible, in the first round”, guaranteed the Brazilian.

Beaten by Timur Valiev, on points, in June 2021, Raoni spoke about the moment. The athlete, who had five consecutive victories with the Ultimate gloves, experienced, for the first time, the taste of defeat in the company.

“It was really bad at that moment, the feeling of defeat. I don't want to go through that again, but it was necessary. I reviewed things that needed to be improved in my training. It will be a different Raoni, with a different mind. One of the learnings was that I could have given much more. I locked up in the third round and I won’t let it happen again,” he said.

Brazilian promise in the division led by aljamain sterling (lineal champion) and Petr yan (interim champion), Barcelos has a bold plan for his future in the company. According to the Brazilian, in 2023, he hopes to be at the top of the group.

“I need the victory to get back into the game. There's a lot to happen in 2022. Starting to fight at the beginning of the year, against a ranked guy, would be great for me. In 2023, I’m going to ask for top 5 and a title fight to get the belt”, he concluded.

This weekend, Raoni will step into the Octagon for his 19th mixed martial arts challenge. Today, the 34-year-old fighter has 16 triumphs and two setbacks.

For his Ultimate debut, Victor Henry will reach the mark of 27 fights in MMA. The fighter, also 34, has 21 wins and five losses.