Experience will face off against youth at UFC Vegas 121. Raoni Barcelos will be responsible for headlining the event next Saturday (26), at Meta APEX, in Las Vegas (USA), against Mexican Raul Rosas Jr , just 21 years old.
In an exclusive interview with SUPER LUTAS , the Brazilian recalled the period when his rival was born and recounted his own journey in martial arts at that time. Raoni is on a five-fight winning streak and seeks to capitalize on his great moment.
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Raoni Barcelos celebrates his UFC victory with his father. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook/UFC
“Man, in 2004 I probably would have been fighting in Jiu-Jitsu championships. But in 2006, if I'm not mistaken, I was already a world champion in Jiu-Jitsu at the purple belt level, right? So, in 2004, I was already fighting in the world championships, at the blue belt level, and I was already a two-time world champion in Jiu-Jitsu. So, I think I already had a career in fighting,” said Raoni Barcelos.
The age difference between the two athletes is just over 17 years, but Raoni doesn't believe that factor is decisive inside the octagon. The Rio native highlighted the progress he has made throughout his career and stated that he currently feels in a positive place both physically and mentally.
"It's logical that we're living in a different moment today, I'm living in a different moment. But, man, as time goes by I feel better, right? I feel more conditioned, more mature. So, I think that (age) won't make much of a difference, right?", the Brazilian concluded.
Raoni's career in MMA.
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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