Raoni Barcelos will have his first main event fight in the organization when he faces Mexican Raul Rosas Jr at UFC Vegas 121, at Meta APEX, in Las Vegas (USA), next Saturday (26). The Brazilian seeks to take advantage of the great moment , with five consecutive victories, to get closer to the top of the bantamweight category (up to 61,2 kg).
In an exclusive interview with SUPER LUTAS , conducted by editor Gabriel Reis, Raoni outlined how the five-round fight should unfold and highlighted the aspects that could define the duel over the course of the 25 minutes.
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Raoni celebrates his UFC victory. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook/UFC
“We’re going to fight five rounds, everything points in that direction, right? Towards wrestling and jiu-jitsu. However, the fight starts standing up, right? So, I think whoever is better prepared in striking and wrestling will start dominating from the top. So, I think the fight will start with striking, you know? And then it will certainly be taken to the ground,” said Raoni Barcelos.
The Rio native stated that he is experienced in longer fights and also recalled moments in his career when he had to fight for five rounds, highlighting the difference in experience in this format compared to his opponent.
“Man, I’ve already had the opportunity to fight five rounds three times, right? Back when I defended my RFA title, right? I was champion and defended it two more times. So, I’ve already had that experience, I’ve already been through it, I’ve already lived that moment. I think Raul has never fought five rounds,” the Brazilian concluded.
The veteran will face one of the youngest names in the division and could extend his winning streak in the organization if he wins at UFC Vegas 121.
Raoni's career in MMA.
Raoni Barcelos celebrates his UFC victory. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook/UFC
At 39 years old, Raoni Barcelos is one of the most experienced names in the UFC bantamweight division. A professional since 2012, the fighter has a record of 22 wins and five losses, with eight wins by knockout and three by submission. In the UFC, he has 15 fights, with 11 wins and four losses. The Brazilian is going through his best recent phase in the organization, with five consecutive wins over Payton Talbott , Cody Garbrandt , Ricky Simon , Cristian Quinonez , and in his most recent performance, the athlete defeated Montel Jackson by split decision in April of this year.
UFC Vegas 121 technical details
Date: 26 September 2026
Time: From 18pm (Brasília time)
Location: Meta Apex, Nevada, United States
How to watch: SUPER FIGHTS LIVE in real time , Paramount+ (entire card) on TV and internet.
MAIN CARD (21pm Brasília time)
Bantamweight (up to 61,2 kg): Raul Rosas Jr vs. Raoni Barcelos
Bantamweight (up to 61,2 kg): Norma Dumont x Ailin Perez
Average weight (up to 83,9 kg): Luis Hernandez x Sedriques Dumas
TUF bantamweight final (up to 61,2 kg): Mahammadali Osmanli x Ilimbek Akylbek
TUF Strawweight Final (up to 52,2 kg): Melissa Amaya vs. Tina Black
PRELIMINARY CARD (18pm Brasília time)
Bantamweight (up to 61,2 kg): Brady Hiestand vs. Rinya Nakamura
Average weight (up to 83,9 kg): Rodolfo Vieira vs. Robert Bryczek
Light heavyweight (up to 93 kg): Rodolfo Bellato vs. Christian Edwards
Lightweight (up to 70,3 kg): Elves Brener vs. Josiah Harrell
Bantamweight (up to 61,2 kg): Montel Jackson vs. Ricky Simon
Bantamweight (up to 61,2 kg): John Castaneda vs. Alateng Heili
Strawweight (up to 52,2 kg): Vanessa Demopoulos vs. Yazmin Jauregui
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